Page 260 of Knot What I Expected

She meets me with the same desperate need, fingers tangling in my hair, keeping me close.

Like I might actually try to go somewhere.

Not a fucking chance.

My hands trace lines down her body. She is so fucking soft. So perfect.

I slow for half a second despite the madness burning through me. Because I need to look at her.

Really fucking look.

Her dark hair spreads across my sheets. Her amber eyes are bright with heat and emotion. Her skin is flushed, her gorgeous body laid out in the middle of my bed like she was always supposed to be there.

But it’s the trust on her face that fucking destroys me. After everything she told me.

After a male who should have protected her treated her body like something he owned, traded, and controlled.

She’s giving herself to me.

Not because she has to. Because she wants to. Because she chose me.

My throat tightens.

This woman is a survivor, every scar a badge of honor, and I am so fucking proud she is mine.

Not mine like those bastards thought she could belong to them.

Mine, because I’m hers right fucking back.

There’s a difference. There will always be a difference.

Hunger and awareness run through me like wild horses, but even desire is no match for the rush of emotion I feel.

Fuck. It hits so hard I stop breathing.

I love her.

Jesus fucking Christ.

I love Gabriella Santos.

I don’t know when it happened.

Maybe the first time she gave me shit at The Joint.

Maybe when she looked at me with those exhausted amber eyes and still smiled at her son like she had everything in the world to give him.

Maybe it happened one stubborn piece at a time while I sat at Dick’s nursing one fucking beer for hours just because being in the same room with her settled Monster.

Maybe there was never going to be a single moment.

Maybe it was always going to be her.

Our eyes meet, and I know she sees it.

Feels it.

The matebond is wide fucking open between us now, burning like firelight in my chest, carrying things I don’t have the words for.