Page 42 of Roommate Wanted

He began to growl, and Nia jumped.

“Is that him?” she asked, and I felt her curiosity pique.

Hmm. This could work in my favour.

“Aye,” I said.“He’s no thrilled ye’ve been ignorin’us.”

She bit her lip. Not out of guilt. Intrigue.

“Does he…feel what you feel?”

I stepped forward slowly.“He feels everything. Doubles it. Sometimes he wants tae tear down the walls just tae get to yae.”

Her thighs shifted. I felt the flutter of arousal flicker through the bond.

“I think he likes yae takin’interest,” I said softly.“Maybe he’ll show yae how much.”

“Can I see him?”

Conall stirred against me. He wanted to touch her and for her to touch him. He was ready to do tricks for her.

“What about your allergies?”

“Whatever you've diseased me with might lessen them,” she muttered, eyes flicking back to her screen, but her fingers had stilled on the keyboard.

I grinned, slow and predatory.

“Ye weren't screaming about disease last night. If memory serves me right, yae were begging fur ma knot.”

Her eyes narrowed, but her legs rubbed together again, betraying her need. Conall growled low in my chest, pleased. Encouraged.

“Can I see him?” she asked again, softer this time.

I moved closer, kneeling in front of her.“He’s a part o’me, darlin’. Always watchin’. Always wantin’.” I tilted my head.“But if yae mean a shift—ye’d have to touch me. Let him in. Properly.”

Her breath hitched. I reached for her hand and guided it to my chest, right over my heartbeat.“Close yer eyes. Say hello.”

Her eyes closed.

Conall surged forward in the bond—warm, wild, wanting. And he purred for her.

Nia beamed, and for the first time, I felt happiness through our bond.

Conall rumbled louder, vibrating through my ribs like a second heartbeat. Her eyes opened slowly, dazed, soft as if she’d forgotten she hated me.

“Yae feel him?” I whispered.

She nodded, lips parted.“It’s like warmth. Pressure. He’s big.”

“Aye. An’he likes it when yer soft wae him.”

Her hand slid down from my chest to my stomach, hesitant but curious. Conall practically preened under her attention.

“He’s—gentler than you.”

I leaned in close, brushing my lips against her jaw.“That’s because he wants yae to love him. I just want tae ruin yae, so ye’ll never leave us.”

She shivered and pulled her hand away.