Ruthless Creatures by J.T. Geissinger

“What you said to make Chris go away.”
“You broke our kiss to ask me about another man…while
we’re naked in bed?”
“Don’t avoid the question.”
“Fine. Deputy Dipshit got a very civilized phone call from
me, explaining why it wouldn’t be in his best interests to come
anywhere near you again. Ever.”
Natalie looks at me very closely. Probably for clues about
where I dumped the body.
I smile. “I said I was civilized.”
“Yes, you did. But I don’t think you actually know what
the word means.”
“He’s alive and well, sweetheart. I promise.”
Traumatized, mentally scarred, but alive.
I painted a very explicit picture of what I’d do to him if he
didn’t listen to me.
I give Nat one final, heartfelt kiss, then rise from the bed
and get dressed.
She watches me in silence.
If her words hadn’t already shredded my heart, now her
eyes would.
My voice thick, I say, “Go back to sleep. I’ll see you on
your birthday, baby.”
Then I walk out the door, closing it behind me.
I stand there for a moment with my hand on the knob, my
eyes closed, sucking in deep breaths to try to manage the ache
in my chest. When I feel a nudge on my kneecap, I look down.
Mojo the terrible watchdog sits on the floor next to me, his
tongue happily lolling from his mouth.
“Fucking dog,” I mutter, leaning down to scratch him
behind the ears. “You’re too big to be such a softie.”
Mojo woofs softly. I think it means, Look who’s talking.