Page 138 of Solanum

Nora checked out of most of the shop talk until she finished putting in everything she wanted. She grinned up at me when she showed me, and I laughed.

"Good choices, Kitten. All the chips, brownies, and four different kinds of chocolate bars." I held my hand up to her for a high-five which she accepted. "That's my girl."

Anita chuckled, shaking her head at us.

Samirah emerged from the guestroom, fully showered, and dressed in casual clothes with her work bag at her hip. Her hair fluttered over her shoulders when she fussed with it, and I noticed a multicolored scarf under her jacket. Unlike last night, the playfulness didn't linger in her eyes now darkened by something deeper. I stood up properly, my brow furrowed when she met my gaze. A small smirk made it to her lips until she saw Anita on the sofa.

"Are you collecting blondes? I swear it's your hobby," she teased.

"Hmm." I folded my arms over my chest while stroking my chin and gazing at the two on the sofa. "I mean, I could. Anita would get on well…"

"They're talking about turning you into a BDSM play partner," Nora informed her, snickering. "What do you think about that, Neets?"

"I think they both need a STAT B-fifty-two." Anita narrowed her eyes at us, but Nora and Samirah laughed.

"What's that?" I asked, glancing between them.

"Jargon for an injection given to agitated, psychotic patients in the emergency room." Sam's brows narrowed as she stared at Anita. "Have we met before?"

"Don't think so," said Anita. "Maybe crossed paths at the hospital?"

"Oh." Samirah's smile returned to her lips. "That makes sense, but it feels more familiar than that. What's your surname again?"

"Oliver." Anita's pleasant smile remained while they spoke, and Nora glanced between them.

"Anita Oliver—" Samirah's brows flicked upward, and she smiled. "Ah. Right. I remember now."

"Pardon?" Anita queried, her expression tumbling to the stoic clinical gaze I'd grown used to at work, but not in my living room.

Nora and I shared a glance, and she bit her bottom lip while shrugging.

"That we have at least one connection beyond work." Sam's smile remained steadfast, and she looked to Nora. "How are you today, doll face? Feeling good?"

"Yes." Nora's cheeks blushed right away. "I am. How about you?"

"Peachy as always." Sam winked at her then returned her attention to me. "Heading out for a bit."

"Are you working?" I gestured to her outfit, noting that every inch of her skin was covered save for her hands and face.

Samirah shook her head. "Tonight." She waved to Anita and Nora. "See you later. Good meeting you, Anita."

"You as well." Anita returned her wave, but her eyes fell on Nora immediately.

Nora shrugged and they spoke quietly while I walked Sam to the door. Her confident, dominant demeanor faded on the way and I knew it meant only one thing.

"Going to see your mom?" I asked and she nodded, her eyes flickering to the mounted wall safe behind me where both Nora and I stored our service weapons.

"Yeah." Her gaze returned to mine, her expression tumbling the rest of the way.

"Anything I can do?" I asked, nudging her elbow with mine.

She shook her head. "Not really. Might come back before work."

"You do whatever you need to do, Sami." I held my arms out to her and she hesitated, as if fighting with herself.

She stepped forward but stopped herself from accepting my gesture. Instead, she stood extra close, leaning against me for half a second before pulling the door open.

"Hey," I stopped her when she hurried into the hall. "Want me to go with you? Nora's fine with Anita."

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