She nestled against me with a smile, her blinking becoming sluggish. I smoothed her thick, coarse hair back from her cheek, tucking it behind her ear.
Emotions had always been difficult for me to grasp, and because of that, nothing ever lasted. I’d believed myself emotionally stunted. That wasn’t it at all.
I was waiting for her.
I love her.
Chapter 9
Soleil
I tuckedthe blanket around my waist, settling deeper into the couch. Griffin had been pacing a lot today, but I’d been preoccupied watching a second show I’d started this morning after my first night in his nest.
I shoved my hand into the bag of red chips and crunched into them. The salty and spicy taste coated my tongue. Humans had so much; it wasawesome. Another word I’d learned. They had things like colors, songs, andsnacks.
“Sol,” Griffin said, approaching to perch at the edge of the couch. I paused the show and scooted, tucking my leg under me so I could face him. He looked at me in silence for a moment. “Tali is coming over to keep you company for a little while.”
I stopped with a chip midway to my mouth and slowly returned it to the bag to set it aside. Tali was his kin, but why was she coming? “Why?” I didn’t bother beating around the bush.
“Just for a few hours, kitten. Can you promise to behave?”
He reached forward, cupping the side of my face. I frowned. Having his kin near wasn’t a problem, but it seemed like there was something else he wanted to say, so I just cocked my head. He sighed and rubbed my lips with his thumb.
“I have to run a quick errand.” I didn’t know what that meant. “But I’ll be back soon. In the meantime, you stay with Tali and get to know each other?—”
“You’re leaving?” I blurted out, understanding what he was saying. He couldn’t leave.
I hissed, showing him my teeth. It didn’t deter him. He’d already learned I would never hurt him. His hand settled on my head. “It’ll be a short time for work. I’ll be back quickly.”
“Work? Who isshe?” I stiffened.
Griffin laughed, the sound deep and resonating.
“It’s what humans do to support their lifestyles.” I cocked my head. “All this,” he swept his hand around, “was purchased with money.” I was connecting the dots to the show. The characters were always talking about going to make money.
“So you will go make money?”
The corner of his lips twitched. “Yes. So I can buy you whatever you want.”
I hummed and settled against the back of the couch cushion, peeking at him. He wasn’t going to let me go with him . . . at least not if he knew.
I nodded slowly. “Okay.”
His shoulders relaxed, and a brilliant smile spread across his lips. “Don’t turn in front of anyone,ever, even Tali.” He leaned forward and pressed his lips to my jaw.
“When does Tali get here?” I asked.
“She’s already parked out front.” He pulled his cellphone out and tapped the screen. “I’m messaging her to come in. Please listen to Tali, kitten. She’ll make sure you have everything you need.”
He wasn’t playing fair, calling me those sweet things that made my chest want to explode.
“I will behave,” I lied, and smiled wider.
A creak echoed, and footsteps approached. She turned into the living room, her eyes flitting over me, then she shuffled over to Griffin. I watched with interest as she kept peeking over at me.
“I’m here,” she muttered, her voice shaking a bit.
I kept my attention sharp, listening.
