Page 106 of Renegade Rift
So much for my dick not taking notice.
Then again, I should’ve known that it was a losing battle where Juliet is concerned.
She winces as she bends down and grabs his bowl, and it’s like a bucket of cold water is thrown over my libido.
“Are you okay?” I ask, rounding the island. I take the bowl from her and finish scooping the food for her damn cat.
Juliet sighs. “I’m fine. Just a little sore this morning.”
I arch a brow. “From what we…”
“No. Hashi’s flare up. My body just hates me today.”
I can’t even imagine what that’s like. And yet Juliet talks about it like it’s no big deal. Like it’s just a part of her life. Which I guess it is. But I still hate it for her. It just seems like a shit card to be dealt. I don’t know what I would do if one day I woke up, and my body decided it wasn’t going to cooperate anymore.
“Can I get you anything to help?” I know from the last time that sleep and relaxing are the best remedy.
“Got a new thyroid lying around?”
“Nope.”
“Well, that’s a shame, but in lieu of that, you can tell me the truth about what’s bothering you?”
My eyes narrow, and I debate for a second on insisting it’s nothing. But then I remember the honesty she gave me last night and instantly feel like shit for even considering telling her anything but the truth. At the same time, I’m pretty sure I’m going to regret having this conversation with her.
“Do you feel like you owe me because I helped you?”
Juliet tilts her head to the side, looking out the floor to ceiling window across the apartment like the birds flying over the river are going to help her unpack all the layers of my question. Seconds pass like hours and then she hits me with, “Yes and no.”
Seriously?“Can you clarify that a little bit?”
She backs up and rounds the island to the coffee maker. Grabbing a mug she pours herself a cup. “Yes, I feel like I need to repay you for the money you’ve covered for me. And I’d like to help contribute to the apartment as long as I’m living here.”
I open my mouth to tell her neither of those things is necessary, but she holds a hand up, stopping me.
“I know you don’t expect me to, but that’s how I feel. On the other hand, when it comes to you teaching me how to date, I don’t feel like I owe you anything. Except maybe an orgasm or two, but you already promised I could repay you those.”
My core tightens, and I have to suck my cheek between my teeth to stifle my groan. “Fucking hell, Juliet. You can’t say shit like that over coffee like it’s no big deal.”
Before yesterday, she would’ve never considered it.
Hell, she wouldn’t have even come out of her room while I was still in the apartment because she was embarrassed I heard her come.
Last night, something changed between us.
No. Something changed for Juliet. I’ve been well aware that I want more from her since before we started this little dating experiment.
Pride blooms in my chest. Change is good. Her finding that confidence is good.
“You asked,” she replies with a shrug and a sly smile, only for it to fall a split second later. “Why the sudden need to break it down? Do you want me to owe you?”
“Not at all.” My words tumble out fast, but they’re meant to reassure her. I run a hand through my hair and pray I didn’t just force her to take two steps back. “There isn’t a single thing I’ve done for you that I wouldn’t do again in a heartbeat.”
“Okay.” Her voice is steady as she grabs my half-filled coffee mug and tops it off. “So, then what has you twisted in knots over this?”
I dip my head in thanks and take a sip, burning my tongue. The pain is worth it though, since it gives me a second to find the right words. “Mercer came to town a few weeks ago and didn’t tell Soph or me.”
“And you’re upset he kept that from you?”
