Page 23 of Knot a Good Idea

“I’ll offer you a show of good faith,” Donovan continues, reading the uncertainty on my face. “Just so you know how serious I am about this.”

“As in?”

“A gift. Just for entertaining this conversation with me.”

This is crazy. I should turn him down.

But this isn’t just about me anymore.

I could save the café.

I lift my chin and keep my eyes locked on his. “Sure.”

He smirks. “Check your bank account.”

My brow furrows. “What?”

“Do it. April Waters through Bank of Isleton Credit Union, correct? You’ll see a deposit there.”

My mouth drops as I open the banking app on my phone.

I gasp when I see the amount.

“What the hell—how did you?—”

That number can’t be accurate.

“Like I said. A show of good faith. You don’t have to give me your answer now,” he continues. “But I hope this can incentivize you.”

My hands tremble as I hold the phone. He deposited more than enough to cover a month of wages and café expenses.

I’m sure it’s nothing to him but to me, it’s a lifeline.

It’s freedom for my friends and family.

It pays for extra sessions with Sandy.

But—

“There’s no way you just want someone to pretend to be your Omega,” I say slowly. “This amount is more than enough for escort work, and I can’t do that. Iwon’tdo that.”

I’m not mentally capable of it, no matter how much money he offers.

Donovan shakes his head. “We’re not looking for that. We’re looking for someone that would fit in well with our pack for public appearances. And you’re exactly what I want, which means the others will approve of you, too.”

“Why not pick someone that’s from your social circle? That’s what I still don’t understand.”

The next course is brought to the table, but I barely taste it as my mind races.

“It wouldn’t be as believable,” he says simply.

I frown. “I doubt that.”

“You’re authentic and it’s refreshing.”

“Even after the ‘fuck you’?”

He grins. “Even after the ‘fuck me.’ Just don’t do it at a charity auction, and we’re fine.”

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