Page 143 of Knot What I Expected

“Coming.”

“Not yet,” she sasses.

I grin.

Then I move to follow her.

Immediately.

Like a fucking puppy.

Pathetic.

Don't care.

I am so fucking lost for this woman I'd probably follow her straight into hell if she crooked one finger at me.

Mine.

Monster's growl rolls through my skull.

My eyes stay on Gabriella. She leads me inside. The second the door closes, the air changes.

No bar.

No audience.

No kid.

No excuses.

It’s just us now.

Gabriella turns the lock. Then she faces me. For a moment neither of us moves. We face off—predator and prey—only I’m no longer certain which one I am.

I hear everything.

Her breathing.

Her heartbeat.

Mine.

The soft hum of the refrigerator somewhere deeper inside the apartment.

I can smell her everywhere.

On the furniture.

In the air.

Her shampoo.

Her soap.

Matteo too.

This is their sanctuary.