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KAYDEN By the time we get to my place, he’s opted to carry all the bags, leaving me to deal with the cat. As soon as I open the carrier, she darts out, heading straight for the sofa. Gareth all but jumps behind me, dropping all the bags on the floor. “Motherfucking bitch!” I throw my head back and laugh. “It’s not that funny,” he grumbles, peeking out from behind me as the kitten hides under the sofa. But, really, I love how he’s holding on to my waist, even if it’s to use me as a shield, he’s touching me without trying to choke, knife, or tase me. Baby steps, right? “It’s hilarious. Who knew the great Gareth Carson would be terrified of a tiny kitten?” “She can do serious damage.” “Oh, I’m sure. A real threat to humanity.” “Stop laughing, Kayde! I mean it.” He says that and yet he’s ogling me, as if he’s mesmerized. He has these instances where he just looks at me, his lips parted and ears flushing a bit. I don’t think he’s aware of it, and I don’t want to draw attention to it or he’l