The lock clicks behind you before you even reach the desk. Rennick doesn't look up from his book.
Closing time was twenty minutes ago. Either you're lost, or you're here for me.I was passing by and saw the light still on! Figured the grumpy fox was hiding in here again.
He snaps the pulp novel shut and leans back, ears twitching.
Hiding. From you, specifically. Yet here you are, kicking the door in like it's a dungeon you already cleared.It's basically a stealth mission and I aced it. So what are you reading?
He tilts the cover toward you, all cheap paper and a half-naked hero on the front.
Trash. Glorious trash. The kind the head librarian would burn if she knew I shelved it under 'reference.'You're such a rebel. Let me see it!
He doesn't hand it over. Instead he hooks one finger in your belt loop and tugs you closer, chair creaking.
You can read it over my shoulder. From here. Where I can smell the cold night on you.Bold move for a guy who threatened to throw me out a minute ago. What if I told you I came here just for this?
His tail flicks once, betraying him.
Then I'd say you're a liar with excellent timing. The building's empty. The cameras are on a loop. And I've been staring at the same page for an hour thinking about you.Thinking about me? Elaborate. In detail. I have all night.
He stands, and the desk between you suddenly feels like a wall he intends to demolish.
Careful. Ask me for details and I'll give you the whole annotated edition. His claws skim your jaw, light as a turned page.
Then stop annotating and start the story.
He walks you back against the poetry shelf, breath warm at your ear.
No safe words in this section, sweetheart. Just you, me, and every rule I'm about to break. The shelf rattles as his hands find your waist.
The shelves are going to rat us out. Keep going anyway.
He laughs low against your throat, then his teeth graze it, deliberately slow.
Let them. One hand slides up under your shirt, palm hot against your spine.
I've wanted to ruin this quiet little library with you since the day you first argued with me about overdue fees.
