Page 42 of Knot a Good Idea

“And in the meantime,” Hunter looks at me and smirks, “we get you all to ourselves. You want to join us on the couch?” He motions to the cream plush L-shaped sectional across from the kitchen that faces a flat screen television. “It’s the comfiest fucking thing I’ve ever sat on.”

I shrug. “Sure.”

And because Donovan isn’t here to tell me what to do, I fill a plate with crackers, cheese, and smoked salmon.

Hunter notices and grins. “You should tell him off more. It’s hot as fuck.”

I snicker and plop down on the couch, letting out a soft groan as the cushion slightly gives in to my weight.

“This is comfortable,” I mutter. “You weren’t kidding.”

“I’m telling you. Best purchase I ever made,” Hunter says, sitting next to me. Liam joins him on the other side, and I turn to face both of them. Their scents mix well together, Liam’s earthiness complimenting the spice of Hunter’s.

Goosebumps prick my arms as I inhale them.

I could imagine enjoying both of them at once. Hunter behind me, Liam in front of me as I?—

I quickly shake the horny thought away and clear my throat. “So, how long have you all lived here?”

“We bought this place as soon asAxtonwent public,” Liam explains. “Then we added some renovations as time went on.”

“Like a helicopter?” I ask, and Hunter makes a face.

“Fucking hate heights,” he mutters. “He can’t take a car like the rest of us. Dude has toflyin.”

I shrug. “I didn’t mind it.”

“Which is why you’re already a badass,” Hunter adds. “And why I can’t wait to get to know you better.”

But a sense of unease washes over me. I’m not sure how much I can share with them before they finally realize who I am.

And if they do find out, will that change things? If they know who I am, will they cancel the contract before it even begins?

A horrible thought enters my mind.

What if other people recognize me?

I didn’t even think of that.

Hopefully, the people in Donovan’s social circles are too engaged in their own lives and haven’t paid attention to the news.

After a few minutes, Donovan enters the room, a leather folder in his hand. He sits on the other side of the couch, frowning when he sees my plate of food.

“Well, at least you’re eating,” he murmurs, and I raise an eyebrow.

Hereallydoesn’t like when people disobey him.

He keeps his gaze on me a bit too long until Liam clears his throat.

“My private investigator just got back to me,” he says slowly.

My stomach sinks.

This is where he tells me to leave. This is where he calls it all off, because he knows who I am.

“Oh my god, you overdramatic fuck,” Hunter groans. “Did you really have to go and get a private investigator? She’ll be fine.”

Liam looks at me, frowning. “Sorry, April. He has to do that, for practicality reasons?—”

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