Ice & Prejudice

Chapter 67

Ria's POV:

It is nearly March and a little more than three weeks to my twenty-first birthday. Nikolai knew how important it was for us to spend our birthday together, so he assured he'll take care of the flight and rive to my childhood home, so I can spend it with my sisters. And, of course, it was probably time to tell them about everything that happened between me and Nikolai the past few months. I'm just so scared they will get mad at me for dating Nikolai Wolves, and that they'll just smack me on the back of my head to make sure it's not hollow on the inside. But I know I have to tell them sooner rather than later.

Ever since the ski trip to Canada Nikolai and I have been closer than ever. He's everything I could ever have wished for in a partner. And Layla was so supportive of it, as well, despite finding Nik 'disgusting'.

The sound of chatter and footsteps filled the corridor as I walked out of the lecture hall, slipping my notes back into my bag. I was still half-listening to the two girls in front of me, who were giggling and whispering to each other, their voices tinged with excitement. One of them suddenly reached for her hair, trying to fix it as discreetly as possible, while the other straightened her shirt.

"Is that...?" one of them whispered, her eyes widening.

I followed their gaze and felt my heart skip a beat. Leaning casually against the wall, with a confident, almost lazy grin on his face, was Nik. He was holding his usual coffee cup in one hand, and in the other... my matcha latte.

A smile tugged at my lips. The girls in front of me slowed down, clearly hoping to catch his attention, but Nik's eyes were already locked on me. The way he looked at me-like I was the only person in the entire hallway-sent a warm shiver down my spine.

He pushed off the wall and walked toward me, his grin widening. "Morning, sunshine," he said, handing me the matcha.

I took it from him with a grateful smile. "Good morning," I teased, taking a sip of my drink. "Thanks for the matcha."

"Anytime," he replied, his tone smooth. He threw an arm around my shoulders as we started walking down the hallway together. I could feel the curious stares of students around us, but I was too focused on Nik to care.

He eyed my drink with a look of mock disgust. "I still don't get how you can drink that green stuff. It tastes like grass."

I rolled my eyes, but couldn't help the smile that crept onto my face. "Says the guy who chugs coffee like it's water. Coffee is bitter and gross. Absolutely disgusting."

"Bitter? Gross? Disgusting?" He feigned offense, pressing a hand dramatically to his chest. "Coffee is the nectar of the gods. It's rich, bold, and full of flavor. Matcha, on the other hand..." He grimaced for effect. "Tastes like someone blended a lawn."

"You clearly have no taste," I shot back, my tone teasing. "Matcha is earthy and refreshing. Coffee just burns your throat and makes you jittery."

He laughed, a low, rumbling sound that made my heart flutter. "Maybe you just haven't had the right coffee. I could make you a cup that would change your life."

"Oh, really? What are you, a barista now?" I teased, nudging him with my elbow.

"Among many other talents," he replied, waggling his eyebrows suggestively.

I rolled my eyes but couldn't help the smile that tugged at my lips. "So humble again."

"And yet, you can't resist me," he said with a cocky grin, pulling me closer as we walked.

"Can't resist? Please," I scoffed, though the warmth spreading through my chest betrayed me. "I just tolerate you because you bring me matcha."

"Is that so?" he said, leaning in closer, his voice dropping to a low, teasing whisper. "What would you do if I stopped?"

"Probably find someone else to get me my matcha," I replied, matching his tone.

Nik chuckled, shaking his head. "I'd like to see you try."

I gave him a playful glare but couldn't keep a straight face. His grin was too infectious. "You're so full of yourself," I muttered, taking another sip of my drink.

"Oh please, you love me for it," he shot back, his tone dripping with smugness.

We continued our banter, trading jabs and sarcastic remarks as we walked through campus. It was our usual routine-playful, light-hearted, and full of teasing.

As we rounded the corner, Nik's tone softened a bit, though his playful grin remained. "So, what's your plan after class? Feel like coming over? We could hang out, maybe you can even stay the night" His eyes sparkled with mischief as he said the last part.

I bit my lip, tempted by the idea of spending more time with him. But I shook my head, remembering my plans. "I'd love to, but I can't. I'm helping Layla move in with me tonight."

"Layla's moving in with you?" he asked, surprise flickering across his face.

"Yeah," I nodded. "She needed a place, cause her roommates were driving her crazy. And I have an extra room now that Stacy is gone."

Nik considered this for a moment, then his grin returned, this time with a touch of mischief. "How about I help you guys move? It'll go faster with an extra pair of hands."

I raised an eyebrow. "You want to help us move? You know it's not just lifting a few boxes, right? There's her furniture, clothes, all kinds of stuff. It's going to be a lot of work."

He leaned in, his voice dripping with that signature arrogance. "Victoria, love, do I look like the kind of guy who can't handle a few heavy boxes?"

My eyes drifted to his sculpted body, as my heart did a little flip at the idea of Nik helping out. "You just want an excuse to hang around me more."

"Guilty as charged," he admitted with a smirk. "But seriously, let me help. It'll be faster, and then maybe then we can hang at my place."

I pretended to think it over, tapping my chin with my finger. "I don't know... You might just slow us down with all your complaining."

Nik chuckled, giving me a playful nudge. "Oh, I'm the one complaining now, am I?"

"Yeah, you just keep running that pretty mouth of yours non-stop, you know?" I tease.

"Oh, really?" He nods his head, furrowing his brows playfully, as if trying to recall something. "If I remember correctly, you didn't mind that mouth so much when it was eating you out last night."

My mouth dropped open at the audacity.

"Fine, you can help. Just don't expect me to pay you in anything other than more company."

He grinned, leaning down to press a quick kiss to my temple. "Your company is my favorite currency," he said, his voice soft and full of warmth.

As we reached the main quad, I could see Layla waiting by the fountain, already waving at us. I turned to Nik, who was still grinning like he'd won some kind of prize.

"Alright, Mr. Strong-and-Helpful, let's see what you've got," I said, crossing my arms.

"Oh, you're in for a treat," he replied, winking as he took my hand and led me toward Layla.

As we approached, Layla looked between the two of us, her eyebrows rising slightly. "Nik's helping us?" she asked, a small smile playing on her lips.

"Apparently," I replied. "He insists it'll be quicker if he helps."

Layla chuckled, shaking her head. "Well, we could use the help."

The three of us made our way to Layla's room, where boxes were stacked high and furniture was ready to be moved. True to his word, Nik was incredibly helpful-lifting heavy boxes like they weighed nothing, maneuvering furniture with surprising skill.

At one point, as he easily carried a particularly heavy dresser on his own, I couldn't help but tease him. "Show-off."

Nik just grinned, winking at me. "I aim to impress, love."