Page 67 of Knot What I Expected

But it’s as close as I can get.

Matteo accepts it anyway.

“Okay! Thank you, Mommy.”

I exhale slowly as the bus pulls away from the school.

One problem at a time, Gabby.

Today?

Sneakers.

Chapter 6

Havoc

“Are you fucking serious?” I bark at Wreck.

“Gia’s birthday is coming up, and I’ve got to file all this damn paperwork with the state. Just pick up her present for me, would ya?”

Wreck growls the words from behind the desk at the A-Feral station like somehow I’m the asshole in this situation.

He looks pissed.

But so am I.

I mean, fuck. Since when do I go to crowded fucking places?

More importantly, since when do I go to the goddamn mall for him or anyone else?

I stare at him.

He stares back.

Neither one of us blinks.

Monster perks up inside me because apparently the bastard thinks this might finally get interesting.

It won’t.

I’m not fighting Wreck over a fucking birthday present.

Probably.

“Dude, you need to find, like, some teenage girl to go shopping for you. I don’t fucking know what the hell I’m supposed to⁠—”

Wreck roars.

Not growls.

Roars.

The sound rattles the windows.

Monster immediately surges to his feet.

Challenge.