Page 119 of Knot a Thief

“Don’t ruin the moment, Ava.”

I grin as I meet his gaze. “And what exactly have you won?”

“The privilege of your company,” he says with a wink as he settles into the chair.

My heart skips a beat, just like it did the first time. “Well, aren’t you charming?”

“You should have remembered that.”

I purse my lips before saying, “Now who is steering away from the script?”

He laughs. “I must admit, it’s not every day that I encounter someone as intriguing as yourself.”

I raise an eyebrow. “I agree.”

He narrows his eyes and grumbles, “You didn’t say that the first time.”

I giggle, liking his toned down alpha. “You don’t know me.”

“I don’t, and that is something I’ve always regretted. Not getting to know you. The real you. I let my ego get in the way, but I'll never do that again.”

My lungs seize.

His sincerity catches me off guard, and I pause for a moment.

I smile, breaking character briefly. Quickly recovering, I lean back and cross my arms. “You’re quite the smooth talker.”

“I try my best,” he replies with a smirk. “So, what brings you here? On this plane?”

I quirk my head to one side, considering how to continue our little game.

Max leans forward, his eyes pleading. “Please indulge me. What made you join me?”

I know he wants to end this conversation, at least the one we’re playing. He wants more from me.

I’m not sure that I’m ready.

I lean forward, lowering my voice. “I’m here on a mission. I’m searching for the perfect scent.”

Max smiles as he leans closer, his voice matching my hushed tone. “I can tell you that for a price.”

“Oh. Please tell me.” I glance around the plane, pretending to check for eavesdroppers. “I need to know. I’m an omega who never had a scent for years until a magical potion brought it back to life.”

“Maybe you share the same scent with someone who knew your scent, despite it being hidden. Maybe the magician couldn't wait any longer for you to find him and wanted you to know you were his.”

Blood rushes in my ears as I watch him. His eyes pleading as our gazes lock. I don’t know how hard his heart is beating, but mine is frantic.

“I am yours,” I state, suddenly serious.

And when he sends love through the bond, tears fill my eyes.

“You are. And I'm yours,” he whispers.

I see a flicker of possessiveness in his eyes. He hastily reins it in as his expression softens, and he reaches across the table to take my hand.

The playfulness quickly fades, replaced by a deep, sincere love that flows through our shared bond, and it takes away my breath.

“You gave me my freedom and then took it away, and I’m happy about both. But I can’t fight you anymore, Max.” As the plane soars high above the clouds, I feel every one of my words. “Because I know you’re mine.”

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