Page 245 of Knot What I Expected

Then he stands—just stands, lifting me with him like I weigh absolutely nothing.

A startled laugh catches somewhere between my throat and his mouth, but I don’t break the kiss. If anything, I cling tighter, arms around his neck, legs instinctively wrapping around his waist as he carries me toward the cabin.

There should probably be something alarming about how easily this enormous man can haul me around.

There isn’t. Not anymore.

With Rowan, his strength doesn’t make me feel helpless.

It makes me feel safe. Wanted. Maybe even a little worshipped.

The cabin door opens behind me. Closes.

And suddenly we’re alone.

Really alone.

No birthday party.

No Matteo popping up to accuse us of making kissing eyes.

No Wreck calling Rowan Fido.

No Justin watching everything with those unnervingly perceptive Dragon eyes.

Just me and Rowan.

My mate.

A wave of desire hits me so hard it’s like a tsunami of heat and longing.

“Fuck,” I whimper against his mouth as he lowers me until my feet touch the floor.

His hands remain on my waist for an extra second.

Maybe to make sure I’m steady.

Maybe because he doesn’t want to let me go.

I know which one I’m hoping for. Rowan backs up a step, hooks one hand into the back collar of his shirt, and yanks it off.

Just...

Poof.

One move and it’s gone.

My mouth actually falls open.

Good God.

I’ve seen him naked.

Very, very naked.

And somehow that does absolutely nothing to prepare me for the sight of him now.

I’m practically drooling as I stare at all six-and-a-million feet of his tattooed body, all those rippling muscles and hard planes. Ink swirls across his skin, disappearing around his shoulders and down his arms.