Nina braced her hands against Idir's chest, trying to push him away, but his arms only tightened around her as his kisses grew fiercer, more insistent.
After a long while, his cool, thin lips finally left hers, trailing elsewhere, giving her a chance to gasp for air.
"Idir… you can't." Nina pressed lightly against his chest, trying to steady him.
He caught her hand, his expression tinged with grievance. "Why not again?"
"Because we're not mates," Nina said, forcing calm into her voice. "So we can't."
A flicker of confusion crossed his face. "Aren't I your male?"
Though his memories were gone—everything except Nina—his instincts told him they shared the closest bond possible. How could he not be hers?
"No," Nina said gently. "We're just friends."
"No, we're not," Idir insisted, irritation rising.
How could she say he wasn't her male?
Nina sighed, a little helpless. "We really aren't like that."
