Page 95 of Scheme
Kit guided me back under the water, and I tipped my head up to stare at his face while he carefully massaged my scalp, carefully rinsing the shampoo out of each strand. I waited for the shyness to kick in, the lingering insecurity borne from him seeing my makeup-free face, but it never did.
One hand came to collar my throat, his thumb tracing the outline of my mating mark as he let out a satisfied purr that had my shaky knees knocking together.
“Mine,” he growled, eyes flashing with alpha possessiveness.
“And you’re mine,” I whispered, running my fingers down his chest to where the mate bond would be. “Are you happy?”
“Happier than I’ve ever been in my life.”
I blew out a long breath. “We’ve never really discussed it outright, but you don’t… you don’t wish I was, you know, beautiful?”
I was vaguely aware that I was acting more than a little needy, but I was hungry and tired and my hormones were doing the conga around my head. Nothing was coming out right.
Kit blinked at me, his brow slowly pulling into a frown. “You are beautiful.”
“I know I’m not. And I’m fine with that—really! I am—you’re just so handsome, and I’ll never have a pretty face—”
“Margot,” Kit interjected, somewhat exasperated. His hands came up to cup my jaw, thumbs brushing my cheeks. “This is the face of the woman I love. There’s not a single thing about it, or you, that I would change.”
“Okay,” I rasped, nodding. A stupid tear trailed down my cheek, and I hoped he thought it was water from the shower. “I’m sorry. I don’t know why I feel so… vulnerable.”
“Becausethisis vulnerable. It’s new and it’s overwhelming, and heat has taken a lot out of you. We’ve both been alone a long time, Margot mine. We’re bound to hit some speed bumps on the way, but we’re on the same team, okay? Always. So long as we’re together, there’s no obstacle we can’t overcome.”
I exhaled heavily, the combination of his words and the warmth of the bond centring me. “I love you.”
Kit smiled softly. “And I love you. Now, let’s get some food and fluids in you, then we’re going to take a nap.”
“We need to talk about New York.”
“We will,” he agreed. “But I’m going to take care of you first.”
Chapter 23
“Youreallydidn’thaveto do all this,” I told Violet, pulling her into a tight hug. “Honestly, neither Kit nor I felt particularly strongly about even having a mating party.”
“You say that like it’s a good thing instead of an absolute travesty,” Violet laughed, still gripping my forearms as she pulled back, giving me a watery smile. “I’m going to miss you so much. Nico and I have decided to try for a baby at my next heat, and I selfishly want you to be here if we’re lucky enough to conceive. There’s no one in the world I trust more than you. Well, except for Nico, that is.”
I gave her a smile that was equally as tremulous. “You guys are going to be the best parents. And New York is only a redeye away; you know we’ll both be on the first flight back to meet your little one.”
“Maybe even with a little one of your own?” Violet teased, waggling her eyebrows.
I snorted. “Not just yet. We went and got the postcoital contraception shot the day after my heat broke. We want to spend a little time, just the two of us, first. Besides, New York could be temporary. Kit may hate teaching, in which case we’ll come back to London and regroup.”
I wasn’t worried about where the future would lead us, not anymore. We were Team Iyer, and we were unstoppable.
Kit’s arm banded around my waist, tugging me gently out of Violet’s grip. “I’m jealous. Humour me.”
“You’re jealous of Violet?” I laughed.
“I’m jealous of any and all recipients of your attention, Margot mine. It’s probably unhealthy. You should really tell me off. You know I only listen to you.”
“You guys are syrupy sweet,” Violet sighed, pressing her hands to her heart. “I knew once you met, it would be love at first sight.”
“You did not.” I shook my head, laughing silently.
“I did!” she insisted. “Ask Nico. I’ve always said that, ever since I met you, Margot. I never expected Kit to stay out of the country so long, it was driving me crazy to wait.”
Kit squeezed my waist. “I’m glad you didn’t say anything, Violet. Just the idea that I might have avoided Margot just because I didn’t like being set up makes my chest ache. We could have missed each other.”
