I laughed. "This is my home, yes."
Nikolas and I knew each other well enough that some things went unsaid. For example, even after a decade apart, he knew he didn't need to ask to look around, even if this was his first time inside my home. It was a given that since he was here, he already had permission.
That was the thing about me and Nikolas. We were always on each other's wavelength. Our souls vibrated together.
Which led me to my next question—if he felt the same way I did, then did he want me as badly as I wanted him?
I observed Nikolas as he puttered around like an excited kid, ooh-ing and aww-ing at my decor. He'd always had a curious mind. Perhaps that was why he wasn't shocked and appalled at my transformation.
My parents, and every other qilin shifter I'd known, told me humans didn't tolerate us. They would never accept shifters of any kind. Humans hated what they didn't understand.
But Nikolas wasn't like that. He witnessed my shift with his own eyes and embraced it.
"Whoa!"
I followed Nikolas into my library, where he was gaping at the rows of meticulously kept books.
"Jian, this is... I can't even think of a good word." Nikolas pressed a hand to his forehead in awe. "Epic."
"It's just a small collection," I said.
He snorted and slapped my arm. "Oh, come on, don't be so modest. You have an actual serious library in here!"
I smiled. "If you say so. I'm just happy you're enjoying it."
Nikolas held my gaze for a long moment. His eyes were sparkling. Just like at the front door of his apartment, his sweet scent wafted over, filling my lungs and sparking a deep ache in my body. He was irresistible.
I practised self-control, though my restraint was growing as thin as a silk thread.
After what felt like an eon, Nikolas tore his eyes away. I shivered. The stare put a spell over me—one that told my qilin soul to claim what was mine. I told myself to be patient.
"So, uh," Nikolas said. "There's more to the house, right? I mean, I haven't seen the bedroom yet."
Oh, hewasteasing me. That little scoundrel.
A slow grin spread over my face. "Yes, you're right. Come with me."
My heart picked up speed as I led Nikolas to the bedroom. I watched him from the corner of my eye, trying not to make it too obvious I was observing him closely.
Kola paused at the door, taking it all in. His nose twitched as if scenting the air. For once he was silent. I wondered what he was thinking.
The fine threads of my restraint began to snap.
My qilin soul felt cramped and frustrated. I couldn't take this much longer. Nikolas needed to know. I had to tell him.
"Kola—"
"I love you."
We spoke at the same time, but Nikolas's voice overpowered mine. It was crystal-clear and sharp with finality. It was sudden, like the bursting of a dam, and now that he'd started he was unable to stop.
"I—fuck. I think I've always loved you," Nikolas said, breathy. "No. I don'tthink, I know. I've known since we were kids. When you disappeared, it tore me apart. I tried to date people as an adult but it never worked because they weren'tyou.I only ever wanted you, Jian."
My heart clenched, then released. Relief and joy flooded my system.
This was it. It was finally happening.
"Kola," I said, taking his smaller hands in mine. "There's one more thing I have to tell you."
