Page 89 of Knot What I Expected

“Do you?”

Her arms cross over her chest. Defensive again.

“Because you’ve been showing up at my job every night. You ask about my money. Now you’re asking why Matteo isn't in school. What comes next? You want to know what I pay in rent? Check my bank statements?”

“If something's wrong⁠—”

“Nothing is wrong.”

“Stop fucking saying that.”

She recoils slightly.

Fuck.

I lower my voice immediately.

“Don't lie to me, Gabby.”

Her expression hardens.

“I don't owe you the truth.”

“No.”

And that one hurts, too.

“But if there’s something wrong and I can help⁠—”

“I don't need your help.”

“Well, maybe I need to give it.”

The words leave my mouth before I can stop them.

Silence.

Gabriella stares at me.

Fuck.

There it is. The thing I’ve been trying not to look at too closely.

This isn't only Monster anymore.

It isn't only some primitive Wolf instinct telling me to protect a female I find attractive.

I want to help her.

Me.

Rowan.

The male beneath the Wolf.

I want to make her life easier.

Want to see those shadows disappear from beneath her eyes. Want her to stop looking like she expects the fucking world to come crashing down on her at any moment. Want Matteo in school if he wants to be there. Want Gabriella working one job instead of two.