Page 68 of Volik

I jolt at the first syllable but relax by the last.

The sound of him calms me.

But that revelation causes me new stress. Because why? Why does this larger-than-life vampire bring me calmness?

None of this makes any sense. And as long as he’s near me, I won’t be able to think straight.

I open my mouth to speak, then close it again and swallow.

This is my apartment.

He is not here to hold me captive.

He hasn’t shown me any violence.

I purposefully forget about him telling me to stab him through the heart.

“Volik?” My voice comes out as a whisper.

His chest rumbles in pleasure when I say his name.

How do I know that’s pleasure?

“Yes, Nix?”

“Will you…” I swallow again, building my courage. “Will you do a favor for me?”

It feels weird asking him for a favor, but he seems so serious about me. And I think this might be the best way to get the space I need, so I can think.

“Anything.” His lips press against my bare shoulder. “Always.”

It’s a promise.

I believe him.

And it brings a pain to my chest because I know he’ll do as I ask. Even though what I’m about to ask will hurt him.

I know it will hurt him. I don’t understand how I know that.

Which is why I need space.

“Will you…” I don’t turn to face him. I can’t. “Will you leave? Please.”

Volik makes a tiny sound, and my heartbeat stutters. But I don’t know if it came from me or from him.

He drags his arm back over my side. “Anything you ask, I will do.”

My heart jumps again. And this time I know it’s from both of us.

My turmoil. His pain.

Volik presses a gentle kiss to my hair, then carefully pulls his arm out from under my head as he unwraps himself from around me.

Frigid air replaces him.

Coldness replaces my mate.

Staying on my side, I watch his sculpted naked backside as he walks to the door.