Page 141 of Hunger & Harmony

It’s cloyingly upbeat, just how I like my pop music. Fun, fresh, and the complete opposite of Arteria’s sound. As the bubblegum tempo tapers off, Niko doesn’t seem perturbed about it. More intrigued than anything else.

“So . . . this is your favorite music?”

When I nod, he hums thoughtfully.

“Not bad. I’d like to hear more. A good artist doesn’t limit his listening, after all.” He pats the top of my head with his spare hand. “And a good man shares in his love’s interests.”

“Aww!”

I’m currently nestled between his legs on the floor, unable to contain my giggles. Why is he so cute?

Just as I open my mouth to tell him as such, a funny truth comes to mind. It’s not a secret, but it’s not something he’d know unless I told him. With a sheepish grin, I lean back on him, peering up.

“Can I . . .be a little honest?”

When I bat my lashes, he raises a brow at me. The pink detangler brush points at me.

“How can one be only a little honest?”

Stifling another giggle, I shrug at his upside-down face.

“I didn’t hear a full song of yours until Sunveil’s opening night.”

I watch the mental calculations run through his brain. His jaw then falls open.

“Not one?”

“Probably not more than twenty seconds for any song,” I admit, and his eyes widen further.

Then, he tosses the brush aside to clutch his chest. He falls back, his hurt pout fading as he pretends to pass away. Tongue out and all.

“I’m sorry!” I shriek, giggling as I turn and climb up his body.

“It’s too late for me,” he murmurs, eyes closed as he slumps back on the bed. “My love, my starlight, never cared for my music.”

“You wanted to know my favorite songs! I just honestly never liked rock music!” I defend through laughter.

I straddle his lap, pushing at his chest playfully as I grin down at him. When he cracks an eye open, a soft smirk tugs at his lips.

“How will I ever live with this knowledge?” he teases.

Before I can answer, a pair of hands finds my hips. We’ve only been back a couple of days, and this has been our first time completely alone since arriving. Midnight is early for us, and we won’t have to answer to anyone until the sun rises and sets again.

“I mean, I like your music.”

I pout when he closes his eyes again.

“Only now . . .”

He’s still teasing me. I glance over him, from his relaxed expression and freshly washed hair, to his body under mine. I shift on his lap. A very devious plan forms in my mind.

“Is there any way I can make it up to you?” I ask, not subtle in how I start slowly rocking on his lap.

A short hiss emits through his fangs. His eyes fly open to watch me.

We haven’t gone further than the first night he tasted me. In all this time, I haven’t been able to return the pleasure. Or go beyond kisses and cuddles.

He’s a loverboy, for sure, but he’s almost too selfless. As I slowly grind in his lap, I watch his pupils dilate, and feel his fingers tighten on my hips. Only thin pajamas separate his skin from mine.