Page 42 of Night So Silent
I knit my brow. “Howdo you know?”
“Because now that I know you better, I know how—”
“Neurotic I am?” I interject.
“Responsibleyou are.”
“OK, fine, I’ll accept that. But, really?” I try not to sound too shocked, bordering on offensive. “I’m…your first?”
“I told you. You're the only woman I've brought up here.”
“What about a man?” He can't trick me by omission.
But Sergei only gives a nonchalant shake of his head. I believe he’s telling me the truth. But even so, his revelation triggers a tiny hint of suspicion.
“That's kind of uncommon.” I try to choose my words carefully. “Not that there's anything wrong with it. I just...don't encounter it often.”
I need to find out if he's some closet incel, but not at the risk of offending him and turning him off completely. I don’t think he is, I don’t get that vibe, but I was nearly tricked before. Now, I don't want to get my hopes up.
“You want to know if there's something wrong with me.”
“That's not what I mean.”
It's exactly what I mean.
He shoots me a pointed look.
"OK, fine, yes. But not in the offensive way. Like I said, you're this Russian giant who’s chiseled like marble with stunning eyes and perfect cheekbones and better hair than any manorwoman I've ever met.”
Part of me can't believe I'm telling him this. I probably sound like a cringey nag, sitting here patronizing him. But howhas he never had sex with another human? I guess his reasons are his own and, aside from protecting my own health and well-being, it’s none of my business.
“Are you finished flattering me?”
“Almost,” I retort. “My point being, how have you not had womenandmen trying to get in your pants?”
“I have.”
“And your biological urges never compromised your self-control?”
“My biological urge is to find someone I’ll never have to leave.”
All the air leaves the room—again—and suddenly it makes sense.
Being forced to leave his home, losing Evie, spending years in the tundra with Colson, helping Dallas bring him back home, then following Colson and the rest of the Lutzes to Colorado. When Sergei finds his people, he doesn't let them go. Why should finding a partner be any different? He just does it…differently.
“When you saynever leave, do you mean…”
“I mate for life,” he replies. “I don't get close to many people.”That's an understatement.“And I know who I want and who I don't.”
The implication of his statement sends goosebumps skittering over my shoulders and down my back. But it’s not fear, evident by how quickly a satisfying warmth seeps into my chest.
“But you’ve had girlfriends—or boyfriends—right?”
“Yes, I’ve had girlfriends. Nothing serious.”
And none of them that warranted telling Colson about.
“Alright, so how do you know that I'mthe onefor you?”
