Page 93 of Volik

“You were going to leave and I…” Her arms tighten around my neck. “I panicked.”

I shake my head as I walk to her couch. “I was just going to get my robe. I will never leave you.”

Carefully, I lower myself to sit on her couch so she’s sitting on my lap, knees on either side of my hips.

My cock throbs at the pressure of our mate sitting on us like this. But I ignore it.

Best I can.

I stroke my hand down her pretty hair, because I do not know what else to do.

The scent of her tears still burns my nose, and if anyone else ever causes her to cry, I will kill them.

I nod to myself.

It is decided.

I press my nose to her hair and inhale. There is a hint of her shower, but her natural orchid scent overpowers all else.

Closing my eyes, I breathe in more of her.

I cannot believe I made my mate cry.

Our hearts still beat painfully at the memory. At the lingering hurt.

I cannot believe Nix cried because she thought I would leave.

I stroke my hand over her damp hair again, feeling every twist of her pretty braid.

My eyes slide open, and I watch steam follow the path of my hand.

I start back at the top of her head, moving slowly. Concentrating. Keeping the heat in my palm steady, but not too hot.

More steam rises as her hair dries.

Next time, when she’s not upset, I will run my fingers through her hair. See if I can dry it that way.

I slide my hand down her hair once more. And her body finally relaxes against mine, her trembles disappearing.

Nix loosens her arms around my neck and lifts her head from my shoulder. “I’m sorry for crying on you.”

“Nyet.” I shake my head. “I do not like your tears, Mate. But you can cry on me anytime you want.”

The corner of her mouth twitches. “Thank you.”

My chest, which had quieted, rumbles.

She takes a deep breath, and when she lets it out, the last tear—clinging to her lashes—dries. “I’m sorry⁠—”

I open my mouth to cut her off, but Nix places her hand over my mouth.

My dick jumps. And her eyes widen.

“Ignore that,” I say from beneath her palm.

“That is hard to ignore.” She shifts her hips.

My smile is hidden by her hand, but she can feel it.