Page 16 of It’s A Little Bit Bunny (Fangs on Ice #4)

Fifteen

Nikolai

“W hen I was a small child, we had a garden. I only know from pictures, but my mum and I grew vegetables there.”

Why are you telling him this?

“I feel like it made me happy.”

“A garden can be a happy place,” Jules agreed. “It is mine.”

“We stopped when we moved to the city so I could be closer to the rink. After that we only had a flat and a little balcony.”

“You can garden with me, if you want.” The beautiful man blushed crimson. I liked how he sometimes spoke without thinking and then blushed.

He’s so fucking cute.

“You know I’d never thought I would say this to anyone…but I’d love to garden with you.”

I’d love to do anything with you, Jules: worship you, service you, and be on my knees for you. Whatever you want from me, you can have it.

“Wonderful. I will be seeing you back here, then?”

“Yes, you will. I won’t be able to come for the next two or three weekends, though. I’m sorry.”

“Oh, okay. I understand of course.”

“Wish I could come see you, but we have games away. I’m still not playing, but my coach asked me to come to the next one with the team. I want to be there with them.”

“Oh, yes. I think I would want that, too.” Jules’ face softened with an understanding smile.

“But I promise I’ll be back the weekend after. If that’s okay with you, that is.”

Maybe he doesn’t want me to—

“That would be lovely, Nikolai. I will try to think about the things we can do in the garden when you are back.”

He walked me to the archway, and I was this close to hugging him goodbye.

“Bye, Jules. I’ll see you soon.”

“Goodbye. I’m looking forward to it.”

“Bye, Barney.” I bent down to scratch his Wolpertinger’s wing bases. “Take good care of your dad, okay?” The little hare-like creature huffed and nudged my hand with his head.

Jules gave me a curious look when I rose to my feet.

“Goodbye Nikolai.”

“Bye.” I hesitated for another moment, desperate for a hug. But why would this powerful creature be interested in hugging me at all?

I turned and left through the arch. After a few metres I turned back. He stood there, watching me go with both hands in his pockets, and looked downcast.