Page 18 of The Knot Before Christmas

Nope. Not happening, Nova. You just got cheated on, we’re not jumping in bed with the first guy that shows you kindness. Even if he’s literally who the universe picked out for you.

What does the universe know, huh? It gave me Nick. And he’s a raging asshole. A crazy one who clearly wants to hurt me in some way. A smart person would be more afraid. Yet, the longer I’m here, the less uneasy I feel.

Am I afraid of what they’re going to do? Yes. They’re criminals. Ian being nice could just be an act. Maybe he’s a master con artist.

“Awesome,” he cheers, jumping to his feet. “We have some microwave popcorn. Do you want tea? Oh, we have hot chocolate. They even have little marshmallows.” Ian rushes over to a box next to the TV.

“The VCR still works,” he tells me as he crouches down. “And look what I found.” He holds up a VHS tape ofA Christmas Story.

I just stand there, blinking at him.What do I do? How do I react?

This man isn’t a criminal, he’s a damn golden retriever. Okay, yes, he’s still a criminal, but how? He doesn’t seem to have a mean bone in his body.

Was Nick just trying to fuck with me, when he said that the way they acted in the van was the nicest I’d get from them?

Because Ian has been nothing but sweet to me. I hate it. I fucking hate it. But also, I’m loving it.

I need to get out of there before these men drive me fucking mad.

“Nova, you okay?” Ian asks with a nervous look on his face. And now he seems bashful.This man is going to be the death of me.

I force a smile. “I love that movie.”

He smiles.“Me too. Okay, you go to the bathroom, I’ll get everything ready.”

“Where's Will?”

“No idea.” He shrugs. “I’ve been sitting with you since you fell asleep. He said something about doing some work outside.” He places the VHS on top of the TV and heads toward me. “It’s snowing now. I’m starting to get worried about Nick. He’s still not back yet.”

“Good, hope he crashed in a snowbank and froze to death,” I mutter, crossing my arms over my chest.

His eyes flash with alarm. “You don’t think that's what happened?”

“Possibly.” I turn around and head upstairs to pee. I don’t give a shit what happens to Nick. He can stay gone as long as he pleases. It’s been nice not having him here. The guys seem to not feel the need to threaten me or lock me up without him hovering.

Does he really think I’m going to bolt?

Listen, I want out of here, but I’m not stupid. I don’t think they’re going to kill me or anything. At least, I hope not.

But if I go outside in that cold and snow without proper gear, I’d die for sure.

Hell, even with the gear, I’m positive I wouldn’t make it. I don’t know which way to go, and I’d most likely end up getting lost in the woods and eaten by a bear or a wolf.

If it was the summer,I think I’d be able to survive a few days in the woods on my own. But not in this snow. I’d die within hours.

Maybe that's a little over dramatic, but I’d still die, though.

Shut up, Nova, and go fucking piss.

I’m back to spiraling again, I see.

Once I’m in the bathroom, I sit on the edge of the tub with my face in my hands. I wonder if I’d have been better off accepting Trip’s apology then staying there.

No. That’s stupid. I deserve better than a cheating boyfriend. A boyfriend who didn’t cheat on me with just anyone—nope, he fucked my mother.

“Gross.” I shiver in disgust at the thought. Standing, I stare at myself in the mirror.

“What are you doing, Nova?” I murmur to my reflection. “We are not getting ourselves a case of Stockholm Syndrome. We hate Alphas. We don’t want one.”

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