Page 17 of Reptile Dysfunction (Harmony Glen #11)

Chapter Fifteen

S loane

Sunlight streams through the water tower’s curved windows, painting patterns across Thad’s sleeping face. His snakes are adorably rumpled from sleep, several still drooping while others begin to stir. Sterling, already alert, notices me watching and gives a pleased little wiggle.

“Showoff,” Thad mumbles without opening his eyes. “You’re supposed to be on guard duty, not flirting.”

“I think he’s multitasking. Is that snake yoga?” Propping myself up on one elbow, I watch Sterling demonstrate his best morning poses. “Very efficient.”

“He’s grandstanding.” But Thad’s other snakes are elongating into a tall crown of interested observers. “They’re all needy for your attention.”

“Can you blame them?” Reaching up, I scratch gently at his scalp. Every snake immediately melts, including the ones trying to maintain their dignity. “After all, I did choose them, too.”

His eyes open, amber and intense in the morning light. “No regrets?”

“About walking out on Bradley and choosing the scary enforcer with the not-so-scary snakes?” Leaning down, I kiss his nose with exquisite gentleness. “None.”

The shock on his face at my comment is priceless.

“Your father—”

“Can deal with it.” I put my phone on silent the moment Brad’s Tesla rooster-tailed away, leaving me by the side of the road last night. “Though I should probably check on Mom.”

His snakes all droop slightly at the mention of leaving, which might be the most endearing thing I’ve ever seen.

“I should head out soon too.”

“With your back still bothering you?” I trace my fingers along his forearm. “Maybe take it easy today.”

“Probably smart, though my performance last night should speak to the extent of my magical recovery.” His hand finds mine, thumb tracing patterns on my palm. “Though nothing about this is particularly smart.”

“Smart is overrated.” Sterling bobs in enthusiastic agreement. “Besides, I’m pretty sure your snakes would stage a revolt if I disappeared now.”

As if to demonstrate, several snakes perk up hopefully, while others try to look particularly pathetic at the thought of my departure. Sterling manages to combine both techniques, somehow looking both eager and miserable at the same time.

“They’re getting worse,” Thad grumbles, but his eyes crinkle at the corners. “Used to be, they could at least pretend to be intimidating.”

“I like them better this way.” Standing, I gather my wrinkled clothes from where they landed last night. “Though I’m not sure how I’m going to explain this outfit to my mother.”

“Tell her you were at a very successful business meeting.”

“In yesterday’s clothes?”

“Very, very successful?”

My laugh bursts free, and his snakes all sway in pleasure at the sound. Even the serious ones can’t maintain their aloof act when I’m happy.

When I finally turn on my phone, I ignore the increasingly caustic ones from Bradley and thumb to the three texts from my mother:

- Told your father you’re working on a story.

- Bradley called. Twice. I didn’t answer.

- Dinner tonight? Just us girls. Bring shoes you can actually walk in.

“Mom’s covering for me.” The relief in my voice makes Thad’s snakes perk up. “And apparently she’s Team Comfortable Footwear.”

“Smart woman.” He watches me dress with unabashed appreciation. “Though I liked the thousand-dollar shoes. Made an impression.”

“That was the goal.” Leaning over, I kiss him again. “I’m pretty sure it worked.”

“Pretty sure?” His hands grip my waist, pulling me back down. “Want me to demonstrate how sure?”

“Mmm, tempting.” But I force myself to stand. “Unfortunately, I have a morning class to teach. A Pilates reformer class that will not be open to Gorgons who like to show off as much as their snakes do.”

His snakes all droop guiltily, remembering his back injury. “About that…”

“Don’t worry.” Gathering my hair into some semblance of order, I grin. “You’re still welcome in my other classes.”

“Your mercy is overwhelming.”

“Consider it payment for letting me raid your coffee before I leave.”

In his kitchen, watching him navigate the space with surprising grace despite his injury while I prepare to head out, I’m struck by how right this feels.

The morning light catching his snakes’ scales, the comfortable silence, the way Sterling keeps trying to direct Thad toward the good coffee beans…

“They really do have opinions about everything,” I observe as Sterling points emphatically at the local roaster’s bag.

“Especially about you.” But Thad follows Sterling’s guidance, measuring out the premium beans. “Though I can’t exactly blame them.”

The coffee is just right—strong and rich and completely unlike the pretentious brew Bradley always insisted on. Another small difference that somehow means everything.

“I should go.” But I linger, memorizing the sight of him in morning light. “The taxi will be here in a few minutes, and I should get a head start on the stairs, plus I’ve got a walk of shame to coordinate both at the Y and later at home.”

“Nothing shameful about it.” His eyes flash amber. “Though maybe next time bring a change of clothes.”

“Next time?”

“Unless you’ve changed your mind about choosing the scary enforcer?”

Setting down my cup, I meet his gaze directly. “Ask me under the truth compulsion. I dare you.”

His eyes shift to that mesmerizing amber glow, pupils narrowing to reptilian slits as the ancient power awakens.

The energy washes over me—warm honey and electric certainty, demanding nothing yet offering everything.

It’s intoxicating, being with someone who doesn’t just want your body, but wants to know your soul.

“Any regrets?” he asks.

Under the gentle compulsion, truth flows like wine. “Only that I didn’t choose you sooner.”

His snakes all sway with pure joy, dignity completely forgotten. Even the serious ones abandon pretense, creating a crown of happy scales above his answering smile.

“Go.” He kisses me one more time. “Before my snakes stage that revolt… or hold you hostage.”

But as I head down the spiral stairs, I hear Sterling’s plaintive hiss.

“She’s coming back,” Thad assures him. “She promised.”

And I did. No truth compulsion needed.

Because sometimes the best choice isn’t the smart one or the practical one or the one your father carefully arranged.

Sometimes it’s the one that makes your heart race and your soul settle and your body sing.

Even if it means appearing in yesterday’s clothes.