“Hm?”
“What happened?”
“Nothing.” Too fast. Too light. “Family stuff. Boring. You wouldn't care.”
“You're right. I don't.” I roll onto my side, facing him. “But you're in my bed at six AM looking like someone kicked your puppy, so clearlyyoucare.”
His expression shutters. That fast, that complete—like watching a door slam.
“I'm in your bed because you were having a sex dream about a fictional character and I felt personally offended.” He tugs at a strand of my hair. “We need to discuss your taste in men.”
“My taste in men is none of your business.”
“Everything about you is my business.”
The words hang there. Too honest. Too raw.
He realizes it the same moment I do, because he's suddenly very interested in the ceiling.
“Go back to sleep, Venom.” His voice is softer now. Almost gentle. “I'll make breakfast.”
“You don't cook.”
“I'llorderbreakfast.”
I should kick him out. Should demand answers. Should do anything except what I actually do, which is close my eyes and let the warmth of him seep into my bones.
“If you tell anyone about the Thor thing—”
“I'm telling everyone.” I can hear the grin in his voice.
Rolling out of bed, I snatch the first pair of clothes I see and drag my ass into the shower. Since my dream has been so rudely interrupted, there's no point now.
I wash up quick and squirt a thick tube of paste on my toothbrush, swiping through my notifications.
A new email pops up as I rinse and spit.
From:N.
To:M
Subject:Tonight's Assignment - POSTPONED
The schedule for tonight at the Southside warehouse has been flagged for elevated risk. New intel suggests the target doubled his security detail after last week's incident in Pilsen. Without Leon running backup, I'm not comfortable sending you in solo.
We'll reschedule when he's back. Non-negotiable.
Stay sharp. Stay safe.
—N
I stare at the email, toothbrush frozen mid-motion, foam dripping down my chin.
“Non-negotiable my ass,” I mutter, spitting into the sink.
My phone is already dialing before I finish rinsing. I wedge it between my ear and shoulder, yanking open the bathroom door to grab clothes from my closet.
Nonna picks up on the second ring. “Before you say anything—”
