After a few quiet moments, she says, "I'm sorry I said you were like her. You may be a rich, elitist asshole who lied to me and kidnapped me, but at least you're a rich, elitist asshole who's also kind to animals."
"You're really showering me with compliments tonight."
"Do you want me to be mean to you now to balance it out? I could slap you around, call you a few nasty names."
"Don't threaten me with a good time, Nova Pierce."
At that, she actually smiles.
We slip into silence, watching Rufus bound through pools of lamplight. The night air carries an edge of winter, but Nova's warmth beside me burns like a promise. Or a threat. Sometimes with her, it's hard to tell the difference.
I check my watch. "Time to head back."
Her smile fades, but she doesn't argue. And as we walk home, sh
