Page 132 of Knot What I Expected

I step closer.

“Rowan,” I whisper.

There’s a charge in the air. Electricity. Ozone. I don’t know what. But I feel it. And it’s all pulling me to him.

He growls. His eyes are glowing. Then his lips part.

“You smell like fucking beer.”

I blink.

“Excuse me?”

“IPA.”

“Oh my God.”

Of all the things—I throw my hands up.

“I spent half an hour fighting with a keg because apparently bartending now requires a degree in mechanical engineering. Sorry I didn't shower before you decided to storm into my job and fire me.”

“I didn't fire you.”

“You paid Dick to send me home!”

His mouth twitches.

“Different.”

“You are infuriating.”

“I know.”

“And bossy.”

“Yeah.”

“Possessive.”

His expression changes.

That one hits. Havoc takes a step toward me.

“Yeah. I am.”

My breath catches. He takes another step. My body heats.

“Rowan.”

“I tried staying away from you.”

All my anger falters.

“What?”

“I fucking tried, Gabby.”

The rawness in his voice steals whatever smart-ass answer I might've made.