Page 64 of Hungry As Her Python

He had me.

Not just in the wrapped around me like a human anaconda way.

Not just physically.

No.

He had already managed to wedge himself into my heart when I wasn’t looking.

Panic tried to creep in.

Before it could take root, I bolted out of bed—literally.

My legs got tangled in the sheets, and I gracelessly face-planted on the rug.

Conrad was there in a heartbeat, sliding down beside me, his expression somewhere between concerned boyfriend and man trying not to laugh his ass off.

His fingers brushed my hair back from my face before he cupped my cheeks, his touch warm and grounding.

“Don’t borrow trouble, Bella,” he murmured, that deep rumble settling right into my bones. “We’ll figure everything out. Right now, clothes. We’ll go to the bakery together. I’ve already alerted the boys. They replied that the fire was set in the dumpster this time. See? The bad guys couldn’t get past your security.”

Then he stood.

Naked.

My brain immediately supplied one word in neon letters,

MEGLADONG.

And because I am a mature, sophisticated woman, I stared.

Stared. Unblinkingly. For a very long time.

His semi-stiff trouser snake twitched under my gaze, as if it knew.

“Sssugar, if you don’t stop looking at me like that,” he growl-hissed, a sound that made my knees weak.

I shook my head like I could rattle my brain back into place.

“Right. Later. Clothes. Now. Let’s get dressed.”

“Right, we should hurry,” he said, already grabbing my spare toothbrush and lining up next to me at the sink like we’d been doing this for years.

I had a his-and-hers vanity.

The his side was basically storage for my hair products.

But watching him brush his teeth there, I had a thought.

Maybe I could make room.

If I was very careful.

If I didn’t let him see how much the idea warmed me.

Please, pretty please with cannoli cream on top, Goddess, do not let this man break my heart.

“I don’t think the Goddess will mind,” I muttered, and flicked my fingers, using a burst of pink-and-white sparkles to magic us both clean, dressed, and ready.