Page 26 of Knot a Thief

“I’m glad,” she says softly, with genuine warmth in her voice. I smile at how comfortable she feels. “Alphas need omegas.”

I hesitate for a moment as I take that in. “And omegas need alphas,” I reply, leaning back in my chair.

She chews on her bottom lip as she shuffles in her chair, and I think for a moment she is about to flee.

“Well, lucky for us, we both like muffins. We can embark on this muffin mission together,” I say, saluting her as I try to inject a lighthearted tone into my words to settle her again. “What’s your favorite flavor? Let’s see if we can create the perfect delight.”

“You’re very British,” she says with a smile.

“And you’re an American in Europe.”

“For now.”

I nod slowly, wondering what that means. “Oh, that sounds ominous. We need to start our muffin mission immediately.”

She chuckles. “We do. Okay, tell me your favorite fruit.”

“Raspberries.”

“Me too.” She grins, tilting her head to one side. Her sea-blue eyes pierce into mine. “And cherries.”

“And I know any perfect muffin must have white chocolate.” I remove my baseball cap, placing it on my lap.

“Mm.” As she closes her eyes, I take off my sunglasses and watch as her lashes flutter softly. “Absolutely.”

When she opens her eyes, our gazes lock, and I can feel the electric current in the air. Her mouth opens on a small gasp as she says, “It’s you. You’re the man who was in Monaco.”

“It’s me.”

And it's definitely her.

The bell above the door tinkles as our eyes continue to hold each other captive.

A ripple runs down her neck as she swallows. “I can’t decide on the final flavor.”

“Ava,” a male voice says when he reaches the table. His tone is understandably aggravated. “We need to go.”

But it’s when he kisses her cheek and his eyes glare into mine that makes me want to jump over the table and squeeze his neck until he dies.

He’s a beta.

“Maybe I’ll see you again. We can both think about that final flavor.” I tap the newspaper. “My day was going so well, too. I suppose I can catch up on the news.”

She smiles at me sweetly as her beta takes her arm and I want to pull him off her.

I know I can’t react. Not yet.

“Nice talking to you.”

I nod to her. “Likewise.”

Her gaze softens, and I can see the flicker of curiosity burning in her eyes. Is she wondering what I’m thinking?

Or does she smell me like I smell her, despite the concoction she coats her body with?

“To the next time, Ava. My name is Max.”

Chapter 8

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