Page 83 of Volik

Understanding the cue, I walk backward.

I keep my eyes on hers, and when she glances up, behind me, I lean forward, putting my face close to hers, as I lower my head so I can fit through the doorway.

She follows me out, pushing me another few steps.

I do not look away from Nix, but I can tell that we are alone in the hall. For the moment.

Hand still on my stomach, Nix has her head tipped back to meet my gaze.

She’s not a short human, but she’s short compared to me.

“Tell me.” I lean forward, increasing the pressure of her hand against my body. “Why are you asking if I am sore?” A wonderful thought has me leaning even closer. “Are you concerned for me?”

“I just—” Nix huffs. “Yes. Okay? I am.”

My pulse picks up. “Why?”

She clenches her jaw.

I tip my head. “Are you concerned or annoyed?”

“Right now? Both.”

I breathe in her scent with a low rumble. “I like that my mate is feisty.”

She narrows her eyes at me.

“Why are you concerned for me?” I shift closer. “Tell me.”

Her expression softens. “I saw the videos.”

I lift a brow.

“Of you…” She flexes her fingers against my stomach. “Growing.”

My lips quirk. “Did you like watching those, Mea Unica?”

“I’m serious.” Nix reaches up with her other hand and lightly smacks my chest.

Gasps come from the open door of the classroom, and Nix yanks her hand back. But only the one she just tapped me with. The other stays pressed to my body.

“Hold this.” I push the coffee cup against her palm.

She takes it, I turn my palm toward the door, and I yank it shut.

One of the students who was huddled near the door lets out a yell of surprise. But when Nix starts to turn her head, I place my finally empty hand against her cheek. “You are so beautiful.”

My mate sighs and leans, just a bit, into my touch. “Thank you. You’re very handsome.”

That new purr rolls through me, and I know she can feel it where we touch.

She is concerned for me. And is complimenting me.

I want to touch my perfect mate with both hands.

Want her to touch me with both hands.

I grab the coffee cup back from her.