Page 120 of Knot Your Business

Rose nods and looks over Logan’s shoulder, her stoic gaze so intense I feel like I might be under examination. From a three-year-old.

Most terrifying examination of my life.

“But we can’t have bites,” she says. Her eyebrows draw together as she pouts. “It’s not fair. I want to know when Papa is happy when he’s at work, too.”

I glance at Logan, trying to gauge the right way to approach this. He chuckles, his lips twisted into a smirk, but doesn’t offer any kind of words of wisdom. When I turn to Rylan, he shrugs. Not really sure why he’d be helpful, to be honest. I clear my throat and smile at the little girl, trying to not look as awkward as I feel.

“Maybe one day you’ll be able to decide to have something like that,” I murmur. “But it wouldn’t be with your dads. It’d be with someone else you love and care about.”

Dominic comes up behind me, his body a wall of heat that has a bolt of arousal shooting down my spine. I just barely feel his amusement and desire through the hazy link. He palms my waist and pulls me into him, my back flush with his chest, and his purr kicks to life, the low sound vibrating through me.

Violet holds Faedra’s hand as they walk toward us, Jude and Carter chatting with Kurt. Phillip and Johnathan join us, too, their smiles wide. Everyone hugs Faedra and kisses the twins’ cheeks.

Happiness lights my chest, the link with Violet so bright it feels like it’s visible to everyone around me. I squeeze her open hand and lean across Rylan to kiss her temple. His own contentment isn’t as vivid, but I feel it just the same. He grabs me before I can straighten all the way up, palming my neck and kissing me. Iris giggles, and it kills the mood.

The benefit of being childfree is no little people interrupting us. Though I’m happy to endure for a weekend so Faedra can get a break.

I take a minute to survey the space again now that the excitement of Faedra’s family joining has ebbed a bit.

Dominic’s family is tucked away in the corner of their own choice, Alessia guarded by her lovers and Sarah tucked under Lorenzo’s arm, her own belly just starting to swell. Her daughter clings to her legs, though her eyes are bright and curious as she focuses on Iris in my arms. Victor’s hand is held tightly by his wife’s, though that’s as much contact as they maintain. The bond mark on her neck betrays their devotion, though. Her own belly is nearly as large as Faedra’s, her due date only a week or so away.

Liz stands in the midst of her pack, her only child perched on her hip, his eyes the same green as Zach’s. Huntley and Mason stand with them, as does Mark and Owen.

Our entire family and friends gathered to celebrate Violet’s achievements. My own pride swells in my chest. Dominic hums in my ear before kissing the sensitive spot just below it.

“Tesoro, you are making me want to find a room,” he murmurs.

“Can I find a room, too?” Iris asks. “Aunt Violet, can I play with your elephants?”

Rylan covers his laugh with a half-hearted cough.

Violet smiles but shakes her head. “They’re taking a nap right now,” she says, completely serious. “And they get cranky when they can’t sleep. They get it from Dominic.”

Iris giggles, the sound bright and happy over the din of the party. Dominic murmurs a string of curses under his breath, too fast for the toddler to have a hope of picking up on them. I, however, elbow him.

“Don’t promise a good time when you know you can’t deliver, Dom,” I whisper, tilting my head back so that my lips are hidden.

He chuckles, the sound warm and inviting, and it skates over my skin. Before my dick can decide it wants to get involved, Johnathan holds up his champagne, and Bianca taps a knife against her glass, urging the room at large to silence.

“Congratulazioni, Violet,” she says once the din of conversation quiets. “Siamo così orgogliosi.”

Rylan groans. “Please, Bianca, for my sake, let’s skip the part where you prove I still don’t know any Italian.”

Bianca smirks. Faedra laughs.

“Keep going, Bianca. It’s my favorite part,” she says with a grin. She turns to Violet. “Ti amo.”

Rylan sighs, and both women laugh. Faedra grabs Violet’s hands, her eyes glassy.

“Being assigned to your dorm as a freshman is the best stroke of luck I’ve ever had. You’re the best friend any woman can hope for. I’m so proud of you graduating with your doctorate and starting your research. You’re an inspiration for so many people, including me.”

Violet wipes her eyes. “Damn it, I’m not a fucking crier,” she mutters as she hugs Faedra again.

Johnathan smiles, and Kurt laughs.

“Keep telling yourself that, darling,” Phillip says, humor in his voice. “Maybe one year it’ll actually be true.”

Rylan kisses Violet’s temple and pulls her around so she’s looking at the three of us.

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