Work for It

by Talia Hibbert

He smiles at me, really smiles, sweeter and more open than I’ve ever seen before. His incisors are unusually sharp, his inky eyes are cradled by fine lines, his crooked nose is charming. This is Griff warm and approving—of me. It’s a striking chime of a moment; it’s brand new. He is shining like the sun, and I think… I think he might be handsome. Oh, God, yes, he is. Without any warning at all, he is. I narrowly resist the urge to kick him and tell him to stop. My heart is pounding against my ribs, which are still feeling delicate. He really ought to have some consideration for my condition.