Page 25 of Snow Harm, No Foul

“Is there a reason for that?”

“Just don’t like it much.” He uses his knuckles to push my water closer to me. “Drink somethin’.”

My chest warms at the blunt order. Despite his grumpiness, Niko is incredibly thoughtful, and it’s nice being doted on.

I take a sip of the water and then ask, “Do you like the sweater?”

“Yes. I’ve never had one like it before.”

“Even if it is a little snug?”

He flattens a palm over my thigh and squeezes. “Yeah, angel. I’d wear anythin’ you made me, no matter the size.”

“I can make you another one that fits right. What’s your favourite colour?”

“Navy.”

“Navy it is, then. I’ve got to finish up my collection for the Christmas market, so I’ll add it to my list.”

“You make a livin’ off these things?” he asks, surprised but not in a doubtful way. Just genuinely curious.

“Not a living, no. But I love knitting, and it’s nice to see others wearing the things I make, even if it’s just a few sweaters or slippers,” I explain.

“Would you make me slippers?”

I gawk up at him, a brow arched. “You want a pair of knitted slippers?”

“Why not? I’ve got feet just like everyone else.”

“Massive ones, I’m sure.”

He huffs. “Size thirteen.”

“Yep. Just as I expected. Guys with big dicks always have big feet, and yours is massive.”

“You think my cock’s massive?”

“Don’t let it get to your head.”

His hand falls to the inside of my thigh and tries to pull it closer, even if it’s not possible. “What did you want to talk about?”

The light mood between us shrivels up and dies as the reality of what I’m about to tell him sinks in. My palms grow slick with sweat, and I can’t even wipe them on my thighs without risking touching his hand with one.

I grip my water and take a few long pulls before setting it down. My pulse throbs in my throat.

“I have something to tell you. And I don’t know how you’re going to take it.”

Gosh, I can’t even look at him. The booth across from us is old and wrinkled, but it’s better than meeting his stare.

“Just tell me, Ivy. I’m a grown man.”

“I’m more than aware of that,” I mutter, tucking my hair behind my ear. “Look, I just want you to know that I don’t expect anything from you. You don’t have to stick around or offer memoney. I might be young, but I was raised right, and while I’m not sure how I’ll do it, I’m?—”

Niko shuts me up when he hooks a finger beneath my chin and forces my head to turn. I’m met with clear and open brown eyes that somehow soothe some of my panic.

“You’re pregnant.”

Hearing it from his mouth makes it more real, somehow.

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