Page 89 of Dream On, Liar

And somewhere underneath all of it was the image of Maeve looking at me like I’d just told her something she’d wished she’d never heard.

“You look sad.” Raina’s soft voice screeched my train of thoughts.

I shrugged. “Just have a lot on my mind I guess.”

“You got anything good that could distract you?” She asked.

Sinking further into the couch, I shook my head. “I wish I did.”

Soft feet padded through the floor before Milo appeared from the side of couch. His surveying glance searched for Raina first, almost like he was assessing her and making sure she didn’t need him.

Once satisfied, his sharp gaze turned to me. Then, something strange happened. Instead of his signature hiss he’d reserved for me over the years, he climbed onto the couch and simply stared at me.

“Don’t move.” Raina whispered, the warning in her voice clear.

“Is he going to jump me?” I whispered back, before freezing completely as he walked closer.

“For both of our sake, let’s hope not—because I’m not sure where the nearest vet is.”

“That sounds irresponsible of—”

“Shhh!” Raina hissed sharply.

Like mother like son, truly.

“Milo. Come here, baby.” She extended her hand, but he ignored her, closing the gap between us.

I watched him approach like I was witnessing an timed explosive.

“Raina.”

“Don't move.”

“Get up and just grab him. Or call for Ollie—”

I cut myself off as, with absolutely no warning, he climbed onto my chest.

I went rigid.

His paws pressed against my shirt before he settled his entire weight against me, curling beneath my chin.

I stared down at him, then flicked my wide eyes to Raina who matched my expression.

He rubbed his head against my jaw.

Something inside me cracked.

Not painfully.

Just enough.

My eyes fluttered shut for a brief second.

My hand lifted almost hesitantly, hovering over his back before I finally let it rest against his fur. First as I was testing it. When he remained still, I moved my hand once again.

He purred.

A ridiculous, rumbling sound against my chest.