Page 99 of Rugger: The Huntress

“I know,” I admitted, “I need it. And, I need you to understand I will not follow it if it doesn’t align with mine.”

“Understood.”

I bit into the toast and chewed slowly as I began running numbers in my head. The problems that appeared, I solved without hesitation. Curious eyes stared daggers into the side of my face. I turned to find that Psalms was uninterested in his meal and more intrigued with me.

“What is it?”

“Nothing,” he sighed, taking another bite of his sandwich.

“I was wrong.”

He managed to clear his mouth before speaking again.

“About?”

“How well you lie.”

He chuckled with a nod and a shrug.

“Yeah, well– can’t always be right.”

“So, tell me. What is it?”

The snigger that followed the dropping of his head revealed parts of the unknown. His emotions were at bay. He was conflicted. His feelings and thoughts were all twisted. His stomach was knotty.

“Sonnie.”

“It’s nothing, Gazelle.”

I lowered my toast onto the plate and turned my body in his direction. I placed a palm under his chin and lifted his head until his eyes met mine.

“It’s something. It’s always something– to me. I don’t want to have to ask you again, Sonnie. What is it?”

He tucked the corner of his lip as he found the words to describe what was happening with him. In him.

“This is the first time a woman’s company has brought me peace and joy and contentment since my mother wished me a happy birthday just hours before her death.”

“And how does that make you feel?”

“Like I want to overdose.”

“But–” I sensed the hesitation.

“I’m learning that too much too fast isn’t for everyone.”

“Everyone, or not for me.”

He was referring to me and we both knew it.

“Not for you.”

I nodded.

“Still, it doesn’t keep me from as much of you as your boundaries will allow. It’s the compromise. That’s me meet–”

“Meeting me where I am.”

He nodded.

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