Page 56 of Thorns That Bloom (Venusverse #3)

“Yes, communication is key. Especially in those first few weeks. Things might get rather intense, and emotions will be high, so communication is going to be essential,” Rachel says, elaborating on another suggestion.

When she takes a breath and glances around the room, her eyes eventually land on Theo. “Any other ideas?” she asks, clearly hinting at him.

We both freeze. I’ve always said my partner was busy when she asked me in the past, too embarrassed to explain or just admit I had no one. And Rachel was always very protective of all her students. I guess her professional decency only goes so far when she thinks someone is being neglected.

Theo blinks and swallows nervously, looking up at her like he’s a child getting scolded. Everyone else is watching him, too.

“Um…staying calm is important, I think,” he says carefully.

I almost want to take him into my arms and protect him from this unfair persecution that I caused.

“Staying calm for your loved one, in any situation. Being the one to help get them through anything, not just…not just because I’m his alpha, but because…

that’s the drive you should have. Whatever happens, make sure they know you’re there, and that it’s going to be alright. ”

Rachel raises her brow while a quiet hum of tentative agreement buzzes through the room.

“A calm presence can make a world of difference, indeed,” she finally says, and I get the feeling that Theo is off the hook.

She glances at me briefly, eyes soft, as if to say she thinks I will be okay, before turning her attention to the group and continuing.

“But it’s natural to feel nervous, too. The breathing exercises we’ve talked about are a great way to stay calm and grounded. ”

Her words fade away in my mind as I look down at Theo’s hand holding mine.

He’s always done that, hasn’t he? Been a force of patient, steady, unbreakable support for me. I don’t know if he realizes how much I appreciate it.

With me feeling more and more mushy inside, we move to other topics.

Eventually, my least favorite part of the lesson comes up—practicing breathing exercises, delivery techniques, and relaxation.

Before, this hands-on bit always brought anxiety.

I had nobody with me, so I had to settle on either Rachel briefly playing that role, with that pitying expression in her eyes, or another pregnant, lonely stranger.

This time, though, I have Theo with me. His warm body so close, his steady breaths near my ear, and his firm hands all bring a deep sense of security.

I sit on the bouncy medicine ball, rocking softly, with Theo behind me, when Rachel finishes catching up with the couple on the other side of the circle and comes back to the center.

“Now, we’re going to do my favorite exercise!

And I think you’re going to enjoy it quite a lot, too,” she says excitedly.

“Alright, partners, gently lift your significant other’s belly, cradling it at the bottom, and hold the weight of it for them.

Pregnant darlings, breathe out and relish for as long as you want.

When you release the belly again, please do it slowly! ”

I glance back at Theo. His questioning expression, that damned adorable quirked eyebrow, makes me smile.

“You can do it,” I say and lean back, resting comfortably against his chest. With his hot, slow breath hitting the side of my cheek from behind, Theo wraps his hands around me, sliding them down the sides of my belly.

Gently, like I’m a peach he doesn’t want to bruise, he scoops my bump up just as I let out a deep exhale, and by god and everything that’s holy, it’s fucking incredible.

“Fuck,” I murmur, one of many groans and cries of relief sounding through the room. All that pressure and strain…gone. Letting go completely, I hang my head back, resting it in the dip between Theo’s neck and shoulder. His laughter rumbles through his chest and against my back.

I breathe in and out freely, not understanding how I could’ve gotten used to dragging so much weight around and how good it feels for someone to carry that burden for me, even if for a moment.

As I open my eyes slowly, I meet Theo’s tender gaze. He’s looking down at me, studying me like I’m something precious. He’s so close I could kiss him. So very close in every conceivable way.

Molten desire twists at the bottom of my stomach. It makes me squirm, like it’s an itch that needs to be scratched.

I’m well aware of my pheromones seeping out, and I am completely unable and unwilling to rein them in right now.

Theo breathes them in through his open mouth, eyes growing heavy with the same burning need.

The scent of spiced coconut envelops me, and it’s like I never want it to go away. It feels exactly how it’s supposed to.

When he blinks and gently releases my stomach, I close my eyes sharply. It’s almost like being woken from a dream with a bucket of cold water.

Steadying my breath, I try to get myself together. The betas in the room probably have no idea what was going on, but the venus present might sense us and find it not entirely appropriate. Though, as I look around, it doesn’t seem to be only us getting swept up in the intimacy of the exercise…

I adjust my shirt and fan myself, suddenly uncomfortably hot.

When I turn to check on Theo sitting behind me, I find him resting his hands in his lap, awkwardly and rather obviously—at least to me—hiding evidence of what my loss of control did to him.

His neck and cheeks are tinged with a lovely, soft shade of red, and his eyes are shyly fixed to the floor.

Rachel ends the lesson with some last pieces of advice and invites those who’d like to come to her and ask any further, perhaps more private or embarrassing questions. Theo and I take the opportunity to leave, as do some of the other couples.

The itch deep inside me doesn’t go away.