Page 63 of Trick Knot Treat

Zaire rushes into the kitchen, while Clint pulls me onto his lap. Felix and Jace are showing Lorelei out, but I’m too focused on Clint and the way his hands are stroking down my spine. The sawdust and linseed oil scent gets in me and brings this whole level of calm that eases the sad. My suppressants must be wearing off if I can smell him so clearly now.

“That was a bit of a reaction,” he teases. “You scared her. She lifted her knees so high running I thought she was going to fall.”

I sniffle. “It was just so nice. All these months, no one has noticed me. I’ve just been a shadow, and I know that was by design, but I miss having people see me. And she’s Felix’s mum, and I want her to like me for me, not because I paint stupid rocks.” I start crying again while Clint giggles helplessly.

I slap his chest. “You are hopeless.”

“You are adorable, and I’m happy right now.”

“You are?”

“Of course. I have these two sexy alphas to flirt with.”

I growl and slap his chest again.

“Oh, all right, and you too.”

Felix looms over me, pressing against my back, and kisses the top of my head. “You scared my mother. She will never be the same. I like it.”

“Ice cream, then we’re going home,” Zaire announces, laying down the law.

“Oh,” I say, deflating. “Do we have to?”

“Yes. Because we’re not there yet, and they have to work to get in your knickers.”

I snort and take the bowl of ice cream. “Why don’t you want to get in my knickers?” I ask Felix, who doesn’t look at all concerned.

“I’ve seen your knickers. I don’t need to get in them. Babe,” he whispers, “I’ll just rip them off you.”

I stare at him with my mouth open while he turns and goes back into the kitchen.

“Clint, did you hear that?”

“Sure did. It was hot. We should absolutely ask for a demo.”

“Do you think he would?” I ask hopefully.

“Eat your ice cream,” Jace grumbles and flops down on the other end of the couch.

“When did Felix see my underwear?” I mutter suspiciously. “Are you still upset with us, Jace?”

“You? No.”

But he’s quiet and withdrawn, and when it comes time to leave, he waves and walks away like it’s the easiest thing in the world, while I almost end up in tears again, lingering near Clint and Felix, not wanting to leave them.

At last, I find myself in my home. It’s empty. I didn’t set anything up. There is no nest. All my cute things are in storage. But I brought one suitcase. I haven’t opened it yet. But I pull it out and put it on my bed, unzipping it.

Time to step out of the shadows and shine.

I hum as I work.

And by the time I go to bed, it’s well past midnight, but I’m ready.

My stalker left a paintbrush on my welcome mat. I pick it up, smiling. It’s a good brand. I love it.

Felix gets out of his car and turns around. He hasn’t spotted me yet, but when he does, he goes completely still.

“Khione?”