I almost dismissed the idea, but Declan spoke slowly, as though he were thinking as he was talking. “That’s not a bad idea.”
“All my ideas are good,” said Sonny.
“Yeah, but this one— Erik, do you have anyone lined up to take over her position?”
“Not yet. I think we were going to get an agency worker, since it will be a temporary contract, but there’s no reason it has to be. The practice manager might even go for it if I suggest you as aprivate hire because it will be cheaper without the agency taking their cut.”
Declan nodded. “I’ll think about that. I’m definitely not ready to go back to my old job.”
He didn’t say anything more and I didn’t want to push. It would be great for me if he stayed in the village with his parents or – even better – here in this cottage with me. But I couldn’t expect him to do that forever.
Sonny wriggled and my tentacle slipped higher, pressing into the crease between his thigh and his balls. That might have been what he intended, actually.
He asked, “Eric, you said you were stronger than a human. How strong are you, exactly?”
I glanced at Declan. “Is this still his plotting voice?”
“Oh yeah, it definitely is.”
“I’m just asking,” cried Sonny. “Answer the question, I want to know whether you’re strong enough to hold Declan down while he comes.”
I snorted again. “I see what you mean. That was definitely a plot.”
“Is that a no?” There was a sassy challenge in Sonny’s voice, and it made me sit up taller.
“I’m strong enough to hold him down, or lift him up.”
Sonny sat up and twisted round to look at me. “Really?”
“Yes.”
His eyes flickered to Declan, and I looked as well, raising my eyebrows. “You want me to show you?”
Declan said, “You want to lift me up?”
He didn’t sound that keen, until I explained. “No, I want to do what I’ve been fantasising about for weeks, which is throw you over my shoulder and carry you into my bedroom.”
Declan’s cheeks flushed dark pink and his pupils dilated, which was gratifying.
Sonny breathed, “Yes please.”
“Declan?” I asked.
He swallowed. “Are you sure you won’t drop me on my head or something?”
“I promise I won’t. I’m strong enough to lift someone twice your size.”
As I said it, I could almost feel Sonny plotting to see that happen one day, probably by me lifting him and Declan together. I could easily take the weight, but I’d have to use my tentacles to keep them both balanced. At least I knew neither of them would mind that.
I nearly did that straight away, but I resisted. Declan nodded, giving me permission, and I was honoured by his trust. This first time, I needed to lift him alone so he would feel secure in my arms.
It was easy to pluck him off the couch, especially as my tentacles were already out and roaming. I’d taken my t-shirt off earlier and never put it back on, and it meant my tentacles had been on full display all day.
He gasped as I threw him over my shoulder, using my tentacles to control his momentum so he didn’t land heavily on my shoulder and get bruised.
Sonny breathed out, “Wow, you’re so hot.”
I grinned over my shoulder. “Come and watch the show.”
