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I never quite understood why Violet and Rhys would besogiving, but suddenly I get it. Roman also made it clear he would like to participate in whatever happens in the dark next time.
Strangely, it doesn’t make me as uncomfortable as it should. Likely because I rather like having sex with them.
Whatever the reason, I have a very nice roof over my head, and I’m not asked to do anything I’m uncomfortable with, so I should call it a win.
I’m still feeling a little out of sorts.
This isn’t my place. Deep down, I know it. I don’t belong here with these people, nice as they are.
* * *
We leave fifteen minutes later, and I get to work.
I quite enjoy working at Fur ‘n‘ Co, getting to know the regulars, advising new pet owners on the essentials, or on how to stop a stubborn cat from peeing outside of the litter. The only downside is that my direct superior is a dick. I have more experience with animals, and the owner has noticed. I get praised, and I’ve been promoted twice in four and a half months. Besides, our boss Gordon knows Dorothy, who waxed poetry about me and everything I did at the shelter.
“That’s not where the boxes go,” Larry hisses as I stack new arrivals on the third shelf. “They’re at the very bottom.”
He’s poised for a fight. He hasn’t said a word to me since I arrived because Gordon’s here, so he can’t get away with being rude, but he shot me dark looks and scowled as soon as our boss had his back turned.
I nod, trying for a smile. “I know they were. But they’re super light and the litters are heavier, so it made sense to switch it around. Don’t worry, I moved the labels.”
He crosses his arms. “Oh, you’ve been here for a hot second and you think you can just change our shelving system, huh?”
I’m about to tell him that I did clear the change of placement with our actual boss, but Larry’s aggressive stance suddenly changes. His eyes go wide, his arms dropping to his side, and he takes half a step back.
Confused, I glance in the direction he’s staring at.
Oh.
“Do we have a problem here?” Six foot five of pure muscle, power, and beauty give poor, skinny Larry all of their attention.
Marius snuck close without my noticing anything, which is insane. He’snota small guy. I must have been distracted if I missed him.
“I…” Larry clears his throat. “Nothing, can I help you with anything?”
“I’m here for Sarah, thanks.” His low, rumbly voice is amused yet dismissive.
Larry doesn’t like it one bit, but he’s not about to open his mouth when I have backup as imposing as Marius Goltz. He stomps back to the bird section.
“What’s his damage?”
“A small dick, I’m guessing.” I shrug. “What’s yours?”
“Definitely not that. You can check it again if you’ve forgotten.”
I roll my eyes to high heaven. “I’m working, Marius.”
“Yes, I can see you’re tending to an essential task. Litter boxes. Essential.”
While his usual amusement coats every word, I sense something else beneath. A little like anger, yet not cold enough. Irritation or displeasure is cold, unfeeling, cruel. Marius’s gaze burns mine with a strength I can’t ignore or evade.
“What do you want?” I wish I sounded more exasperated than anxious, but I don’t think I achieve the desired effect, particularly with my damn tongue darting out over my lip.
“Why is everyone asking me that today?” He snorts, his lips curving up, but there’s nothing at all kind or warm or easy in those pale, icy eyes.
To my confusion, he bends down and lifts the rest of the litter boxes—a stack of a dozen—before putting them on their designated spot on the shelf.
“What I want from you, Sarah, is a little more honesty. Perhaps a smidge of loyalty, too.”
