Page 49 of Knot Your Business

“I get that,” I say. I tuck the necklace under his shirt again before running my hands up his neck and twisting my fingers into his hair. “I don’t know why I kept the letter, either. Or your sweatshirt.”

“That’s where it fucking was,” he mutters, a corner of his lips flicking up. “I thought I’d lost my mind when I moved and couldn’t freaking find it.”

My laugh is small, but at least it’s there. “All right.”

He tightens his hold on my hip.

“Move out is this weekend. I can’t do it any time before Friday because of being an RA.”

His kiss is softer this time, more exploratory, but my blood heats just the same. “I’ll work it out with Rylan. You don’t have to worry about any of it, all right?”

Before I can nod, there’s a hard knock at the door.

I mutter a curse and drop from the counter, adjusting my shirt and my hair before opening the door. The same Council intern from last week stands in the threshold, a small envelope in his hand, the same tie tack keeping his tie in place. He doesn’t look quite as uncomfortable this time.

“Miss Fallon,” he says, handing me the envelope. “Same as the last time. If you’d like to file a counter motion to prevent this from happening again, I’ve included my number and can walk you through the steps.”

I murmur a thanks and close the door, trying to ignore Jasper’s strong body behind me.

“What’s that?” he asks, his voice going low and dangerous in a way I’ve never heard from him before.

I rip open the envelope and sigh, holding out the motion without a word of explanation. His frown is deep, his snarl nearly as violent as an Alpha’s.

“What the fuck is wrong with her? How did she even find out?”

I shrug. “I told you how she feels about Betas being in packs.”

He shakes his head. “It’s not me this time.” He holds up the paper so I can read the official reason listed on her motion to have me reassigned again.

Concerns over the safety of the family regarding Dominic Montegue neé Gallo.

My eyebrow ticks up. “What’s so concerning over his family? Are they drug dealers or something?”

It wasn’t the vibe I’d gotten from him, neither in the packet of information or the video call. If anything, he reminded me of the Old Money families my mother practically kissed ass to. Jasper shakes his head.

“He’s part of the mafia,” he says.

Well, that’s certainly not what I expected.

Twenty-Three

DOMINIC

Alessia texts me again before I can tuck my phone into my pocket, and I have to force myself to not get irritated. This is what happened when I went home for more than a couple hours during family brunch on Sundays.

You sure you can’t come tonight? Mom is being a bore.

Yes, sorellina.

Cazzo.

Don’t let Mamma hear you say that.

??

I can’t help the small smile that curves my lips at her sass. Alessia has always been a firecracker, and her designating a few years ago hasn’t changed that. Her and Mamma have been at each other’s throats the last several months, though, since I officially registered with Rylan and Jasper. Nothing puts my Mamma into a frenzy like the idea of one of her children getting married. Or matched. And don’t even bring up the idea of bonding with her unless you’re prepared for a thirty minute tirade about how she wishes she could have had the experience.

The patio door clicks closed, and my stomach clenches.

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