Page 134 of Knot What I Expected

My voice cracks.

Fuck.

I look away. But Havoc steps closer.

“What did you think, Gabby?”

“That maybe you got bored.”

His entire expression goes blank.

“Bored?”

“You said all those things at the park, and then you disappeared. And maybe you thought about it and realized I have a kid and baggage and⁠—”

“Stop.”

“I don't need you feeling sorry⁠—”

“Gabriella.”

He says my full name so softly I stop.

“I spent four fucking days surrounded by fire, and all I could think about was getting back to you.”

Every defense I have fractures.

“Rowan…”

“I don't know what the fuck this is. That’s a lie. I do know, but I don’t deserve it. I don’t deserve you. But I want you,” he whispers, his voice hoarse.

His hand lifts. Stops.

Like he isn't sure he's allowed to touch me.

That nearly undoes me. I close the distance myself. His palm lands against my cheek.

Warm.

Rough.

Careful.

My eyes flutter. The touch is almost painfully gentle coming from him.

“I want you too,” I admit.

He inhales a deep breath. His thumb brushes my cheekbone.

“You feel this too, don’t you?”

Not really a question. I swallow.

“Yes,” I reply.

Because I do. I do feel it. A connection. A sense of rightness when I’m with him. I should walk away. Hell, I should run. But I don’t think I can.

And honestly, I don’t think I want to.