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<span class="mu-r">“I didn’t think you’d be coming back so soon. You should’ve called so I’d have time to set up something super romantic.”</span> you said, running your hand up her muscular arm.
Ana let out a slight chuckle and placed her hand over yours.
<span class="mu-g">“I wanted it to be a surprise. I had been planning to ambush you, but I didn’t expect you to have company.”</span> she replied, her eyes momentarily drifting in Ember’s direction.
The flustered girl was trying very hard not to look in your direction.
<span class="mu-r">“She’s a new member of our team. We brought her in after Prowler retired.”</span> you quickly explained.
<span class="mu-g">“I know. She told me as much.”</span> Ana said, resting her elbow against the back of the couch and cradling her head in her hand. Her amused grin seemed to grow upon hearing your reassurances. <span class="mu-g">“It didn’t smell like the two of you were in very close contact recently.”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“You can smell that? But I showered this morning. And I changed into a different suit.”</span> you said, inspecting your costume.
<span class="mu-g">“I know. I can also tell that you’re still using the same body wash and shampoo. But…”</span>
Ana paused to sniff at the air.
<span class="mu-g">“No conditioner. You must take better care of your hair.”</span> she admonished.
<span class="mu-r">“Wow. You are good.”</span> you admitted, interlocking your fingers with hers.
Ana let out a noise that was halfway between a purr and a throaty chuckle.
<span class="mu-g">“Good enough to know that you’ve been in close contact with a few other women while I’ve been gone.”</span>
For a moment, your blood ran cold, and you swallowed hard. You were also sure that Ana hadn’t missed that reaction. Her hand tightened around yours, almost painfully.
Who was she smelling on you? Was it that time you hugged Shark? Or the time when Joy pounced on you? Or when you and Callisto were tumbling around in the grass.
<span class="mu-r">“Well…technically, yeah. But I didn’t-”</span>
<span class="mu-g">“I know.”</span> Ana said, the intensity of her gaze, and her grip, lessened somewhat. She leaned in close, until her lips were almost touching your ear. <span class="mu-g">“Because I’d sense that too.”</span>
While there was nothing inherently threatening about her words, you were good at reading between the lines. Your girlfriend had a bit of a possessive streak.
<span class="mu-r">“Noted.”</span> you said, after a brief pause.
<span class="mu-g">“No, it is partly my fault.”</span> Ana admitted with a shake of her head. <span class="mu-g">“I should have marked you before our parting.”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“Uh…’marked’?”</span> you asked, before realization dawned on you. <span class="mu-r">“Oh. Ohhhh!”</span>
Ana let out a laugh, but her mood seemed to darken after her laughter died down.
<span class="mu-g">“But I suppose that would have been hard, given the circumstances surrounding your departure. Is your friend doing well?”</span>
Oh. She was talking about Iara.
(Cont.)
