Page 122 of Volik

I try to stop it, but the sound keeps rolling out of me.

I look to Volik for help, but the bastard is grinning.

He’s grinning, looking unbelievably handsome, and my growl intensifies.

In my periphery, I can see Jenny lift her hands, like she did when Volik stormed into the office, but I keep my attention on Volik.

“Help!” I whisper-shout, the growl still rolling out of me.

His grin softens, and he holds an arm out to me. “Come, Mate.”

I take one step, then I’m tugged forward.

My boots skim the floor as Volik uses his power to drag me to him.

The pull on my chest lessens a split second before my body collides with his, when he wraps one arm around my shoulders and the other around my back.

“Hush now.” He runs his palm over my hair as he holds me to him, and I press my ear against his chest.

“I can’t make it stop.” I close my eyes as I whisper the admission.

“I know.” His chest vibrates against mine in the softest purr. “I am here.” He strokes his hand over my hair again. “I am yours.”

I let his words and his heat cocoon me until my growl finally fades.

Volik continues to hold me as he glides his hand down my neck to my spine. “I missed your scent today.”

I tip my head back to look up at him. “What do I smell like?”

“Memories of old. And ones I have yet to make.” His expression is so fond it makes my heart squeeze with affection.

I’m sure I smell like something more definitive. Like how he smells like mint to me. But I like his answer.

Behind me, Jenny sighs. And I wonder if he didn’t give the real answer because we’re not alone.

Slowly, I turn in Volik’s hold so I can face Jenny. “Uh, sorry, about… growling at you.” I wince.

Jenny is the only person, aside from Volik, I’d consider a friend in this town. And I don’t want to scare her away.

Her smile tells me she’s not upset before she even speaks. “We’re good.”

“You’re sure?”

“Totally.” She nods as she stands. “And, this is just an idea, but if you really want to stick it to those obnoxious reporters, you should slip a photo of yourselves like this”—she gestures toward us—“to some other network. Because you two look…”

I lift a brow as Volik tightens his arms around me, holding my back to his front. “We look…?”

Jenny laughs. “Sorry, I’m trying to think of an adjective that won’t get me growled at.”

“Ha, ha. Very funny.”

Volik’s chuckle vibrates through me. “I like this idea.”

I nod. “Let’s do it.”

When I tap Volik’s arm, he drops it from around my front, and I step to the side, so we’re beside each other, with one of his arms draped over my shoulder.

I wish I’d worn something a little more professional to match Volik’s new attire, but maybe the contrast will be a good visual.