Page 124 of Knot a Good Idea

I swallow. “No,” I say simply.

“Are you sure? I think I saw you on something. Not too long ago, even.”

“Is she sure she’s never been on television? I think she would know, Clay.” Liam’s voice is curt and sharp, angrier than I’ve heard it.

But Clay doesn’t seem to care, and he squints at me with cloudy grey eyes. “I’ve seen you before?—”

“Excuse me.” I wrench myself out of Liam’s grip and head over to Hunter, who eyes me from the charcuterie display. He’s by himself, and the minute I head to him, he wraps me in his embrace.

“You okay, baby?”

Air won’t come into my lungs, not matter how much I breathe in his spicy scent. I shake my head subtly, hoping no one else will notice my panic.

“Let’s go outside.” Hunter shoots a fake smile to a guest, then places his hand on the small of my back. We head past Donovan, who glances at me briefly before turning his attention back to the guests.

Hunter walks me all the way to the gazebo and joins me as I collapse on the bench, my breathing heavy.

“Fuck, baby, you’re white as a ghost. What the hell happened in there?”

I hate that I’m triggered, that I’m sitting here losing my mind because some entitled prick thinks hemighthave seen me before.

I sound pathetic.

“You’re not pathetic,” Hunter growls, and I realize I’ve spoken aloud.

I shake my head, too tired to give him the reasons why I am.

“I think I got recognized,” I mutter, clenching my fists so hard my nails dig into my palms.

“By who? That asshole Clay?”

I let out a shaky breath. “Yes. He said he saw me on television. And the only time I was on television was when…I went missing.”

Hunter’s silent for a moment, stroking my hair. “Fuck him,” he finally murmurs. “He’s a piece of shit.”

I turn to Hunter, tears in my eyes. “And? What if he does find out? What if everyone here finds out who I am, and that you’re dating…me?”

Hunter looks at me incredulously. “So fucking what?”

I blink. “What?”

“Why would I care wouldtheythink? Do you think Donovan or Liam care about that?”

“You don’t get it,” I insist. “I didn’t tell you the whole story about my past. I didn’t?—”

“April.” Hunter’s voice is low, so low I almost don’t hear it. “It’s your story, and it’s your business.”

He still doesn’t understand, and it infuriates me. “Hunter. I’mfucked upfrom what happened.Why would you be proud to date me?”

I’m babbling now, my thoughts incoherent as shame consumes me. “I can’t be normal. I’m not normal anymore,” I add.

“Fuck being normal. Do you think any of us are normal?” Hunter motions with his hand. “None of us fit in with any of these people. I feel out of place all the fucking time. That’s why I hate these things. But normal? In a perfect world, I’m playing board games with Liam or sketching. And if we’re not doing that, we’re fucking around with coding. How is that normal?”

I sigh and wipe at my clammy forehead.

“And to answer your earlier question, I’m fucking proud to have you on my arm. You’re a beautiful survivor that somehow puts up with all our bullshit.”

I want to believe him. I do my best to let his words ring true in my heart.

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