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His chest rumbles under my ear. “How swiftly you’ve stopped being a morning person.”
Eyes closed, I smile at his tease. “I was never a morning person.”
A big hand rubs circles on my back. “Then why were you working at a place like Twin’s?”
“I don’t know if it’s the time of day or what, but breakfast places seem to have less harassment from customers.” I yawn. “Or maybe it’s just the fact that they aren’t drunk. But the few times I’ve worked in bars, it wasn’t fun.”
Nero’s heavy exhale ruffles through my hair. “I’m sorry I asked.”
I try to look up at him, but he moves his palm to the side of my head, holding me in place.
“It wasn’t that bad.” I settle into his chest.
“No one will ever touch you again. Anyone tries and they die.”
I probably shouldn’t grin at that, especially since I know he means it, but I still do.
“Now go back to sleep.”
Something bumps into the back of my leg, followed by a metallic jangle as Toto shakes his head.
Nero’s chest shifts under me, and I know he’s arching his neck to look at the dog who apparently snuck his way onto the bed last night.
“Little shit.” Nero’s tone holds no real censure, then he settles back down onto his pillow.
“Do you have to get up?”
“Yeah. Just let me hold you a while longer.”
“Okay.” My lids lower, and I let the warmth and scent of Nero lull me back toward sleep. “I’m going to miss you.”
“I’ll miss you, too,” is the last thing I hear before I drift off.
* * *
Something cold pressesagainst my cheek.
I bat at it, squeezing my eyes shut against the bright light filling the room.
A tongue laps across the back of my hand.
“Gross!” I laugh, squinting up at Toto’s furry face looming over me.
His mouth is open, and it looks like he’s grinning at me.
“Morning, buddy.” He bumps his head against my hand. “You want some scratches?” I ask, as I use my fingertips to scratch that good spot behind a dog’s ears.
Toto leans his full weight into my touch and gratefulness for Nero fills my entire being.
I really do love that crazy man.
The sentiment is quickly followed by the all-consuming need to pee.
Moving slowly, I appreciate the soreness between my legs.
Toto follows me into the bathroom, sniffing his way inside the shower, while I relieve myself.
“I’ll take you out in just a minute,” I assure him, not wanting him to pee on the floor.
