Page 24 of Frost and Death
He lowers, his hands moving underneath my body.
I remove a hand from my stomach to push him away, but a spasm of punches rips through me. Tears well in my eyes as I lower them from Niko.
“I’m fine. Just a few minutes and then I will get up,” I say, reassuring myself more than him.
He scoots his hands underneath me again.
“What are you doing?” I shriek as my weight shifts from the cold floor of my bathing room into Niko’s arms.
“I’m taking matters into my own hands,” he says nonchalantly.
“I said I don’t need any help!”
I am completely mortified.
Nope. No. Definitely not.
He acts unbothered by my declaration as he stands with me in his arms. “Tee, you can barely remove your hand from your abdomen without crying. The least I can do is help you get to your bed.”
“But I am indecent!”
His eyes dart to me, taking in every detail of my body, and arousal runs to the apex of my thighs.
I am not supposed to be feeling this,especiallyright now. It does not matter how comforting he feels.
“Like that is a good enough excuse,” he scoffs.
He cradles me in his arms, walking us through the doorway to my cluttered room. Since Betina had no chance to attend to my mess, last night’s attire is still scattered across the floor.
I hide my shame only for a hint of sandalwood to embrace me.
Niko approaches the side of my bed, lowering me on the mattress.
My attention focuses on his hands gliding out from under me. How they graze underneath my ass cheek.
Sweet Makers, what it would feel like to have those hands spread me.
I study him as he pulls the sheets over my body. Desire itches against my legs, and I clench my thighs tight, trying to dismiss the thoughts.
His face is so close to mine, and tenderness swirls across his features.
“Better?” he asks.
Fuck, does he melt away my fury. Gulping, I nod sheepishly.
“Good.” He grins, and my heart skips.
The upturn of his lips brings one to my own as he double-checks my bedding, ensuring it cocoons me.
I reach for him. I don’t want him to leave.
“Would you stay with me?” I ask, squeezing his hand once.
He arches his brow, pressing his lips in hesitation.
Remembering last night’s rejection, I clarify, “Just until Betina comes back?”
Niko’s eyes gleam as he streaks a hand through his wavy red hair. Looking between me and the door, he slackens his posture.
