Terina remindsme of a willow tree, the way she bends and sways. Watching her do yoga on my balcony is my new favorite hobby. Much more relaxing than a crowded yoga studio. And the way her skin glows in the morning light? She’s radiant.
I’m realizing after nearly six weeks spent together that her flexibility isn’t exclusively physical. The light and energy she carries despite the trials she’s endured fortified her with a strength few possess. I don’t know how I didn’t see it before.
She got Tommy to play cards with her while I was gone. Cards. WithTommy. I can’t even picture how that would work. But that’s Rina. She gets her mind set on something and makes it happen. Calling her a bull in a China shop was an ignorant way of minimizing her ability not to let life hold her back.
She doesn’t have a cowardly bone in her body.
Terina is all survivor.
I was an ass for making assumptions and doubting her. She and I don’t think the same, but that doesn’t make her any lessastonishing. And despite the way I treated her at first, she’s been nothing but appreciative of my help and worried about me.
Last night, she wouldn’t even let me stand to come eat dinner. My leg was acting up after being on it more than I should have. She damn near threatened me with violence if I even thought of getting up off the couch, and instead, brought me a plate. We ate together, watching TV, while Bonny lay below, monitoring the ground for fallen crumbs. I’m pretty sure Rina intentionally accidentally dropped more than one morsel.
And the strangest part is, I don’t actually care what she does, so long as she’s safe and happy.
Paint my dog’s nails? Sure.
Rom-coms on the TV at night? That works.
If it means seeing her squirm and giggle with joy, I’ve fulfilled my most important job. How could that not be satisfying?
And in the case of yoga, my satisfaction is twofold because goddamn, her body is a work of art. Lithe and soft and supple in all the best ways.
As though reading my mind, she sneaks a glance over her shoulder and catches my eyes roving over her. A coy smile spreads across her kissable lips before she abandons her mat and joins me inside.
“You watching me like a creeper?”
“Absolutely.” I snag her hand and pull her closer so that her thighs are between mine. She turns and sits on my good leg, wrapping an arm around my shoulders.
Fuck does it feel good.
“Have you heard from any of the taxidermy guys?” she asks with a note of curiosity. I told her about the interrogation when I got home last night. She wanted details and didn’t shy away from the ugly parts.
“I checked a few minutes ago. They’re all in place, but no sightings yet.”
“Let’s hope it happens soon.” Her fingers trail distractedly through the short hair on the back of my head, and it feels incredible. Makes me want to pleasure her as well but in a very different way.
My hand caresses up her thigh. “If not…” I gently nip at her jawline. “I’ll just have to…” Nip, then kiss. “Keep you …” More kisses down her neck. “Locked away here.”
“Mmm…” Her husky reply has me grinning.
I have her stand and start to strip her leggings down, but her hand clamps down on mine.
“Oh, ummm … I really need to shower. I’m all sweaty.”
“Just wait until I’m done with you,” I rasp, resuming my efforts.
She pulls away out of my reach. “No, I’m gross. Really. I just…” She motions behind her toward the bedroom. “I’m just gonna take a quick shower.” Faster than a squirrel on crack, she bolts out of sight.
What the fuck was that?
Did Rina just run away from me? Why? It wasn’t like she’d been laying fertilizer or something.
Curious, I head back to the bedroom and find the door to the bathroom closed. I quietly test the door and confirm that it’s locked.
Huh.
While I’m not sure about her motives, wanting to clean up isn’t all that crazy, so I let it go and head to my office to get some work done, including checking in with the tech guys on whether they’ve been able to identify the guy from the apartment break-in on any other security cameras. So far, nothing. Another dead end, just like the snake, but hopefully, not for long.
