Page 87 of Heathen

"There's no chance you'll leave here alone," she assures me.

I lower my mouth to hers, pressing my lips exactly where I'm now certain they were always meant to be.

"How are you so perfect?" I whisper when I pull back long enough to catch my breath.

Her fingers grip the front of this stupid costume.

"I'm far from perfect, Ellis, and I'm afraid if you think I am, you're only going to be disappointed."

"How are you so perfect for me?" I clarify, loving the way her face lights up. "Better?"

"Perfect," she answers, leaning in for another kiss.

I have no idea how long we sway to the music, our lips brushing, hands roaming, and, not for the first time, I hate this fucking oversized costume.

"Want to feel your body against mine," I grumble against her lips.

"I have some confessions to make."

I take a step back at the seriousness of her tone. I could easily get lost in this woman for the rest of my life, but she seems like she has some things she needs to say. I can't let my straining erection control the situation right now. I don't want her to think that I don't value her perspectives.

"What's wrong?" I ask, hating the way she's gnawing on her bottom lip, as if the secret she's about to share is going to change everything.

I reach up and pull her lip free from her teeth before she causes damage.

"I lost my job at the grocery store."

"Okay," I say, still waiting for the bad news.

"I'm unemployed."

"Okay," I repeat, wondering what I should've said instead when she narrows her eyes at me as if she's irritated.

"I'm unemployed," she repeats, giving me a second chance to respond how she wants me to.

"You don't have to work unless you want to." When her eyes narrow further, I realize this might not be what she's looking for. "I'm sure you'll find another job. You're unemployed not unemployable. There's a big difference."

"I won't be able to afford rent on a bigger place," she continues.

I open my mouth to say okay, but history tells me that isn't going to fly with her.

"I think maybe you should follow your dreams."

"I'd never make it through vet school," she mutters, but I think she might be wrong.

"Did you want to be a vet or did you want to be around animals?"

She takes a moment to really consider my question. "I just love animals."

"Then maybe get a job at a clinic."

"It doesn't pay much."

I pull her back into my chest, curling a finger under her chin until she's looking right up at me. "I'll take care of you. Money isn't something I want you to worry about."

"That's not an easy thing to do," she mutters, and I feel the pressure on my finger as she tries to look away from me.

"We don't have to discuss this right now," I say.

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