Free The Leopard King by Ann Aguirre

troublesome independent thought.”
    Delight spiraled through her when he laughed. “So I’m to become a puppet monarch?”
    “It will only hurt a little when I attach the strings.” Teasing, she dug her fingers into his back, momentarily forgetting how much he liked being touched there.
    “Mmm.” He arched, eyes drifting half shut. “Keep doing that, and I’d probably let you.”
    For a moment, she worked her hand up and down his spine. “There is something we need to discuss, though.”
    “Hm?”
    “I don’t want to move into your old apartment. It would be better to have a fresh start.”
    Anxiety percolated because he might think she wanted him to forget Dalena, but it was only that she couldn’t stand living where her best friend died. That’s not healthy for him either. Scrubbing away the evidence of the most horrific crime in Ash Valley history? Pru had done it, sobbing so hard she almost threw up. It had been hell taking care of the place in his absence. Pru had boxed up all Dalena’s things because Dom was too mad with grief, then she secured them in storage. Afterward, she’d aired the flat, dusted, and polished once a week.
    But I can’t live there.
    “What do you have in mind?” Dom only hesitated slightly, making her think he was open to the idea.
    “My place would be better. We can redecorate completely so it feels like ours, if that’s all right with you.”
    “I don’t have the mental energy for lamps and cushions, but I appreciate the offer. What about your father, though?”
    “He’s almost never home. Will you mind when he is?”
    Dom shook his head. “It’ll be nice, I think.”
    “What?”
    “Being part of a family again.”
    After Dalena’s murder, her family moved out of Ash Valley, leaving Dom alone. Pru understood why they’d want a fresh start, but maybe he wouldn’t have spent three years in seclusion if the pride had tried a little harder to support him. In retrospect, she squirmed over how she’d let him down.
    “Well, I have two aunts and an uncle, plus like ten cousins. I can invite them all over regularly to pester you.”
    “You’re threatening me with your extended family? I say bring it on since I’m not the one cooking all that food.”
    “We’ll see how cocky you are when my little cousin is climbing you.” Smiling, she took his arm. “This way. Second floor, next building.”
    “Why do you think I don’t know where you live?”
    Color washed her cheeks. “Sorry. Force of habit. To be honest, I don’t expect anyone to remember anything about me.”
    “I’m not just anyone, Pru. Not to mention, we’ve been friends forever. For instance, I remember how often Slay made you cry pulling your hair.”
    “Good times,” she said wryly.
    Dom looked like he wanted to say something else, but in the end, he swallowed it. “Will you help me pack?”
    “Of course.”
    Stepping into his old apartment sent a shiver through her. How would Dalena feel about this? Does she think I’m stealing him? But since it was for the pride, her friend would probably understand. Still, she couldn’t look long at the photo of Dom and Dalena, so perfect together, so in love. Her chest tightened as she went to the bedroom. Half an hour later, Pru carried two bags to the front door, and Dom caught up with a couple more.
    “I think that’s everything I need in the short-term. Eventually I’ll give this place back to the pride and let admin assign a newlywed couple here or something.”
    “Sounds good.”
    They walked in companionable silence to her flat. At the door, she paused. “The pin is my mother’s birthday, 3105.”
    “I’ll make a note.”
    His eyes flickered, likely remembering that the code to his old apartment had been Dalena’s. But he only nodded as she punched in the numbers and ushered him in. Pru couldn’t remember the last time he’d been here, or if he’d seen the place since she rearranged the furniture. Done in earth tones, it was a cozy