Chapter 31: Chapter 31

“I think…I’d like to,” Dez said at last. “Go to bed. See what happens.”

Fran smiled. “That’s great.”

He slithered across Dez to get off the couch. That was quite…stimulating.

“Let me check on the cats and make sure they’re all secure for the night. Come on you, stop perving on us.” He picked up Riley and took him into the cat room. A rattle of the bowl of cat snacks Fran gave as a late-night treat had other furry monsters hurrying out from hiding to get their share. In a moment, Fran came out of the room and locked the door.

“You want another drink or anything?” Fran asked.

Dez rose. “No. I’m fine.” That was overstating the case a bit. His hands were shaking and his knees felt weak.

Fran nodded and came to him, taking his hand. “It’s this way.”