Ka'Cit's Haven (Riv’s Sanctuary #3)

“You’re freezing.” His deep voice seemed to cut through the icy air.

“A little.” She smiled.

Just then, the light disk that had been bathing the little nook in a warm glow dimmed then cut out completely.

“Phekking qrak.” His mutter would have made her chuckle if she wasn’t so cold.

“I don’t have another one.”

“It’s oh-k-kay.” Was she reassuring him or herself? For with the light gone, the cold seemed to embrace the darkness and the chill in the nook increased.

She tried blowing on her hands again and she didn’t know why she even bothered, as if the third time would be the charm or something.

“I will keep you warm,” he suddenly said and she could hear him moving.

There were some shuffling sounds and she squinted but she couldn’t see in the darkness.

“H-how will you keep me warm? Aren’t you as cold as I am?” Granted, she had noticed that the cold didn’t seem to affect him as much as it did her.

When it was hot, he hadn’t been affected either.

It must be all that muscle he was hiding underneath his clothes or something, for her bones felt utterly unprotected against the penetrating cold.

She felt him move behind her and she had to scoot forward a little as he sat.

“Wha—”

Suddenly she was being pulled backward against his chest.

A nice warmth spread across her back immediately.

“You don’t h-have to. I…”

But she couldn’t deny that it felt good.

He was warm, like he radiated heat, and she found herself leaning backward.

His arms came around her and Nia stiffened a little before relaxing.

Back on Earth, she wouldn’t have done shit like this. She’d have pushed the guy away and assumed he was out for his own gain.

But Ka’Cit seemed genuinely concerned about her.

He wasn’t trying to land in her bed or tickle her between her legs.

“Thanks. This is really kind of you.”

His arms tightened around her some more, tucking the cloak around her so she was in a little encased ball as he pulled her closer.

He grunted but didn’t say anything and for the next few minutes, every little movement she made seemed to cause his breathing to hitch a little.

“Are you okay?” She tilted her head to look up at him and it was evident just how bright that little disk he’d set up had been. She could barely make out his face, even though her eyes had adjusted to the darkness.

She saw his eyes though. They were startling green in the dark, and they were focused on her.

“It must be uncomfortable for you. I should get off you, shouldn’t I?”

She tried to move but his arms only tightened.