AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“What about you?”
“My nakedness shouldn’t matter, but if you give me your shirt, I’ll wear that to keep you from growling.”
Rafe reluctantly pulled away. Nikki wanted nothing more than to pull him close again, but the footsteps were growing louder.
He tossed her his shirt. Just as she pulled it over her head and Rafe zipped up his fly, Kai stood in the doorway. Not wanting the two to kill each other, Nikki stood in front of Rafe. “Hi, Kai.”
Her boss gave her a quick, chaste once-over. “You aren’t missing any limbs.”
Leaning against Rafe’s chest, she snorted. “If you have time to make a joke, then things must not be that bad.”
Kai’s expression turned neutral and Nikki tried not to worry. “I wouldn’t say ‘bad’ but they’re certainly not ideal.”
Rafe’s arms wrapped around her waist as he demanded, “What are you talking about, Sutherland?”
“Not here,” Kai answered with a shake of his head. “Once Sid does her final examination, I want you two to eat, clean up, and come see me at my cottage.”
Nikki eyed her boss. “I’m not sure I like the sound of that.”
“We’ll talk more later. I expect to see you both in an hour and a half.”
Kai exited the tent without another word. Nikki looked up at Rafe over her shoulder. “Did he say anything to you over the week that you forgot to mention to me?”
Rafe shook his head. “I have no bloody idea what he’s talking about.”
“Me either,” Nikki murmured.
The pair of them stood in silence, both wondering what would happen. Maybe Nikki’s doubts about Rafe staying on Stonefire had been justified.
As if reading her mind, Rafe tightened his grip on her waist and leaned his cheek against hers. “Whatever it is, we’ll face it together.”
Not even for a second did Nikki doubt his words.
Chapter Nineteen
Rafe stood outside Kai and Jane’s cottage with his arm around Nikki’s shoulders and knocked again. “You would think he could hear us. You dragon-shifters brag often enough about your bloody hearing.”
Nikki poked his side. “It’s not bragging if it’s the truth. Who knows, maybe they’re finishing up and need to get dressed.”
“Ugh, no. I don’t want to think about my sister having sex.”
Nikki merely shook her head. With her dark hair bouncing around her face, it only highlighted the paleness of her skin. As he waited for someone to answer, he whispered, “Are you sure you’re okay for this? You lost your food shortly after eating it and look paler than I’d like.”
“I’m fine, Rafe. Sid said the baby is fine, and I’ve just had a spot of morning sickness. The only good thing about being in dragon form for a week was that I didn’t have to worry about throwing up. Our dragon sides don’t get ill when pregnant.”
He eyed her. “If you say so.”
Nikki opened her mouth to answer, but the door swung inward, and Jane answered the door. Rafe narrowed his eyes at her flushed cheeks as he said, “You took your time, Janey.”
Running a hand through her rumpled hair, she stepped to the side. “It’s not my fault you’re a few minutes early. Kai’s time is limited. Besides, usually you show up precisely on time.”
Nikki jumped in before he could. “Ignore your brother. He hasn’t slept well over the past week and is cranky.”
“I’m not cranky,” Rafe muttered.
Nikki turned her face up to him. “You are, but I wouldn’t trade the last week for anything.”
Rafe winked. “I would’ve sworn that not talking or being able to scold me would drive you crazy.”
