Page 15 of Fritillaria

It does. Taking the rest of the day to relax in my apartment and cozy up with my favorite show sounds really good right now. I can’t imagine being able to go back to work anyway.

Aspis doesn’t let me go until he’s buckling me into his car, having carried me down the whole way. Luckily, he took a back route and we didn’t run into anyone. The last thing I need is to have to explain everything to someone right now.

I punch in my address when he passes me his phone. Otherwise, I stare out the window at the city. There are no skyscrapers where I live, just small little houses that are either single residences or split into different apartments like mine.

“You can park over there.” I gesture to my empty parking space.

He easily pulls in, switching off the engine and turning to me.

I’m sure he has lots of work to do, he has an important job at the label. But I can’t bear the thought of him leaving me here right now.

“Can you come up with me for a while? I don’t think I can be alone.”

“Of course.” His hand rests on my thigh as he turns to face me. “I’ll stay as long as you need. I don’t want to be alone either.”

I walk on my own this time as we make our way up to my place.

“My apartment is a little embarrassing.” I say, turning the key in the lock and letting us in.

He is huge in my space, but he looks around with interest.

“It’s perfect.” Aspis turns to face me, clicking the door shut behind me. I’m trapped beneath his arm. “Just like you.”

I can feel how hot my cheeks get under his praise and attention. He kisses me gently on the forehead, my tummy doing a flip as I melt into him.

Actually, no, my tummy groaned extremely loudly.

“Let’s get you something to eat.” He chuckles. “What do you want? I’ll order.”

“Can we get sushi?” I slip past him, embarrassed that I messed up what could have been such a cute moment.

“Sure thing.” An arm wraps around me from behind, pulling me back against him. “Why don’t you get comfy on your bed while I get everything ready?”

A pulse of need tremors through me, but I try to calm myself. That’s not what we’re here for right now.

I normally wouldn’t get into my bed with my clothes from work still on. But I would rather risk the outside germs than change in front of Aspis.

Cozying up, I get under my quilts and watch as Aspis moves around my place. His tail is definitely going to trip me up at some point.

It’s wild that I have a mate in my kitchen, cleaning up and getting plates ready for us to have a meal together.

I feel kind of awkward just sitting here, so I pick out a movie for us to watch. The buzzer rings pretty soon after, and before I know it there is a Naga bearing sushi in my bed with me.

In this moment I can’t decide if it is the best thing or the worst thing that my bed is my couch. The movie plays in the background, and I mindlessly eat my food. But all I can think about is how his tail is pressed up against me, how I am in my bed with mymate.

I’m still sad about Ivy, that’s not going anywhere. Being here with Aspis is so comforting, but there is still a piece of me that feels empty.

Aspis clears our plates when we’re done eating, and asks to snuggle when he gets back into the bed. I gladly tangle myself in him, falling asleep almost instantly, exhausted from all the emotions of the day.

Chapter 14

Aspis

This day has been a whirlwind.

I was so relieved this morning after the coffee with Matilda. It was obviously soured by my interaction with Ivy, but knowing that Matilda was going to try to make this work meant so much.

Having her in my arms right now feels like a dream. I’m enveloped in her fresh, morning dew scent, her warmth pressed against me. Gently, I shift us onto my back so that I can run my fingers through her hair. She makes a mewling sound in her sleep at the affection.

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