Page 85 of Knot Guilty

I drop my hands and stand up straight. “Let me guess. You knew too?”

Knot smiles. “I’ve always known. So?”

“So… if you’re through playing matchmaker, let’s get back to work.”

My friend grins wide, and I can’t help but mirror him. “It’s about damn time,” he says.

Knot and I are still going at it when Spatch and the other operatives begin filtering in for the morning’s training. Aaron winks at me, and Knot kicks out for my legs. Unlike with Maxen, I remain focused and jump over his leg sweep, knocking the boss on his ass.

The whole room freezes, knowing that this is the most physical Knot has been since nearly dying in Estonia. “Hosfeld, get your ass over here!” he bellows.

Aaron races over, and the two of us help Knot off the floor. Shocking the hell out of all of us, Knot moves like a freak of nature and puts Aaron in an arm bar. The crowd closes in, and Knot makes a very public announcement. “Aaron, your request for reassignment is hereby denied. You are to remain with your team. We’ve had enough upheaval for a while.”

Knot lets Aaron go, taking advantage of him being off balance to drop him to his knees. Several people in the room, including my team, clap and laugh until Spatch lets out an ear-shattering whistle. “If we’re done with this episode of the love boat, it’s time to get started. Knot, get your ass over here. I’m ready to see what you’ve got. Hosfeld, you take Phelps. I want to see if her head’s back on straight.”

Knot cracks his knuckles and steps over to spar with Spatch, leaving me to face off with Aaron. My best friend, partner, and lover grins and assumes a fighting stance. “You ready for me, Sweetheart?”

Tossing away the boxing gloves, I lunge for him. “Sweetheart, my ass.”

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