Page 62 of Rival

Chuckling, I climb the stairs to the second-floor bathroom. Digging through the cabinet, I find one of the larger bandages and cover the one inch cut Edith managed to get to stop bleeding.

Back in the living room, my dad tilts his head toward the door. “I’ll tell your momma ya got an early start. Let that heal up a bit before she sees. You gonna report him?”

“Nope. I plan on findin’ him later to express my thanks. It was a cheap shot, and I probably deserved it for not stayin’ ready. I got my cell, so call me if you two need anything.” Dropping a hand on his shoulder, I give it a squeeze before heading outside.

Edith should be heading over soon, unless she decided to hide away at home for the morning. I wouldn’t blame her, and I should figure out a way to apologize for being so ruthless. Butfuck,her pussy felt amazing. I won’t regret taking her, but Icanapologize for not treating her right. It’s the least I can do.

I also need to make sure I don’t do it again. The last thing I need is Clayborn coming around here, demanding justice for fucking his daughter. Grinning to myself, I can’t help but think it was worth it.

Rustling from the tree line pulls my attention and I watch as Edith slips through. Her hair is wet and I frown, not liking that she’s washed me from her body even though I told her to get herself cleaned up. It’s not rational, I know this, but it irks me, nonetheless.

Opening my mouth to greet her before she sees me, it snaps shut just as quickly as a tiny kitten scampers out of the trees just behind her.

Jesus fuckin’ Christ, you’ve GOT to be kidding me.

“Are you the fuckin’ cat whisperer or somethin’?”

Obviously, she didn’t see me, so she freezes, staring at me with round eyes and a touch of fear behind them. Another flare of shame aches in my chest and I rub at it. That’s my fault and I need to fix it. I just don’t know how.

“What?”

Stepping toward her, she stiffens, so I stop. Lifting my chin to her right, I repeat myself. “A cat whisperer. Thought I said no more. My barn’s full enough as it is with Buck and Bonnie.”

There’s a tick of her lips that falls away faster than it showed up. “You remember their names.”

Scowling at her, I cross my arms. “Doesn’t matter if I do. I’m sure you’ve got one for him already, so what is it?”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about. A name for what?” She tilts her head sideways as ifI’mthe one who’s lost their mind. The moment she’s says it, her face drops down to stare at the ground.

That’s the moment the fucking kitten runs in front of her, not slowing down as he makes a beeline directly toward me.The little shit doesn’t even give me a second to react before he’s arching his back, spitting and hissing at my feet.

Snorting, I reach my hand out to let him catch my scent. I glance at Edith, who’s staring at him in shock. “You didn’t know he was following you? Wait.” I grip him by the back of the neck to stop him from biting me, and quickly check and verify he is definitely all boy. “Yeah,he.”

She looks back toward the trees. “Where did he come from?”

“Obviously from your damn house. You keep draggin’ them here one after another.Fuck off, cat!” I yell just as the little shit sinks his nails into my palm and bites the fuck out of me.

I can’t help my reaction because those nails are like talons digging into my skin, so I toss him away from me. He doesn’t land hard, but Edith is running forward and falling to her knees to check him over.

She’s cooing reassuring words as I study the trickle of blood welling up from the multiple nail holes and I swear to God, I’m fucking done with this day. I’m also positive the woman I just fucked in the middle of the road has no plans to tendthesewounds with the way she’s glaring at me.

And fuck if she isn’t glaring hard.

“You didn’t have to throw him like that!” I swear, both of them are acting like I’m a devil and now the little shit is purring so loudly I can hear him from where I’m standing.

She settles back on her ass and praises him until he crawls up her body and starts rubbing his face against her hands and chest.Hegets a smile from her as he meows and begs for attention.

Mumbling to him, I can’t understand her until she finally blurts out, “Billy! That’s what I’m going to call you.”

“He’s a goddamn menace!” I snap, still pissed that the nightmare bit me.

“I didn’t know he was following me!” she shouts back, then flinches and swallows hard. “Sorry.” Her apology is quiet, andI’m actually stunned by the way she snapped at me. Didn’t think she had it in her.

Grinding my jaw, I debate what I should do. I told her in no uncertain terms that I wasn’t taking in another cat. This would make three when we’ve had years without a single one. But watching her stroke his fur and hunch over him, plus with the way I treated her not even an hour ago, I find myself giving in.

“He can stay. But seriously, thishasto be the last one.”

Edith nods, but I don’t think she’s fully agreeing with me. It’s as if she knows I can’t tell her no any longer.