Tex opened his mouth, but I placed a finger over his lips. “Don’t waste your time. I’m not going anywhere.”

A heavy sigh left Tex as he gave in. Keys in hand, he jammed into the lock in seconds. He put in a code on the wall, and I eyed it.

“New security?”

“Someone broke into my place,” Tex said, giving me a pointed look.

I hummed as if it hadn’t been me. I found Penelope weaving between my legs, meowing for attention.

“How did you come up with the name Penelope?” I picked the beautiful orange cat up, scratching behind his ears as he purred in my arms.

Tex moved closer and began to pet Penelope. My chest tightened, and I tried to grasp onto what made me feel that way. It was tangled up in the webs of emotions that I constantly tried to untangle.

“It’s a boring story.” He tapped his finger on the cat’s nose. “Isn’t that right, Pen?”

A soft smile graced Tex’s face, and I was instantly hit with the desire to chain him up. I wanted him to smile at me like that, only me.

“Why are you staring at Pen like that?” Tex took the cat from my arms, and I couldn’t help but glare at the orange fur ball. “Enzo, you hurt my cat, and I swear there is no jail cell that will keep me from killing you myself.”

The corner of my mouth quivered as I attempted to keep from laughing. “So, there is a line you’re willing to cross.”

Tex shook his head. “Hurting a man’s fur baby is asking for it.”

I lifted my hand and placed the other over my heart. “I swear I will never hurt a single hair on Penelope’s head.”

Tex shook his head as he placed the cat down. He slowly rose, and his blue eyes focused on me. “Do we need to go over a list of people you aren’t allowed to hurt?”

“Will you try to leave me if I hurt any of the people on said list?”

“Yes,” Tex shot back. He crossed his arms and let out a groan. “This is insane.”

“You can give me the list once we get home.”

Tex’s arms dropped to his side. “What? I am home.”

I was already shaking my head before he could finish his sentence. “We are here to get a few of your things. We can even take Pen.”

“You don’t have anything for him at your place,” Tex argued.

I walked past him toward his bedroom.

Tex was right behind me. “Are you even allowed to have pets at your place?”

I went through his closet, picking out what could go and what I’d replace.

“Are you listening to me, Enzo?” Tex asked.

“I own the building.”

“Fucking rich asshole. Of course, you do.”