Page 74 of Knot What I Expected

But I don’t. Of course I fucking don’t.

I notice everything about her lately.

Her scent changes. Not dramatically. Just enough.

Worry.

Sadness.

Something heavier beneath both.

Monster whines.

Actually fucking whines.

My brow furrows.

“What?”

Sad.

“Yeah. I know.”

I don’t like it.

Not one fucking bit.

She’s shopping with her kid. She should be happy.

So why isn’t she?

I follow them. Not stalking. Observing.

There’s a difference.

Probably.

Gabriella doesn’t notice me.

That irritates the shit out of me too. Anyone could be behind her.

She checks on Matteo constantly, but she barely looks at her surroundings.

My mind immediately starts cataloging the problem.

Blind corners.

Crowds.

Multiple exits.

Too many places for someone to approach unseen.

I make a mental note to teach her about situational awareness.

Then I stop.

Not my fucking business.