Page 156 of Knot Happening Again

The tension in the room is thick enough to choke on. I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what's about to happen. Part of me still can't believe I'm going through with this, but I'm tired.

Tired of the pain.

Tired of fighting my own body.

Tired of not knowing when this bonding sickness is going to come out of nowhere and slam into me like a freight train.

Leon approaches me slowly, like I'm a wild animal he's afraid of spooking. He should probably be more afraid I’ll kick him in the balls. His scent washes over me—pine and smoke and something uniquely him—and my body responds instantly.

But my heart remains frozen.

He reaches out, his hand hovering near my face. "May I?"

I nod, not trusting my voice. His fingers brush my cheek, and I hate how good it feels. How right. I close my eyes, trying to block out the conflicting emotions warring inside me.

"Look at me," Leon murmurs.

I open my eyes, meeting his gaze.

"I'm sorry," he whispers. "For everything."

Before I can respond, he leans in and kisses me.

It's soft at first, almost hesitant, but then something inside me snaps. I grab the front of his shirt, pulling him closer, deepening the kiss, putting everything that's been pent up for so many years into it.

My longing.

My heartache.

My hatred.

He groans, his hands moving to my waist. I lose myself in the sensation, in the taste of him, in the way our bodies fit together like they were made for each other. It's infuriating how good it feels, how easily my body remembers his touch.

We break apart, both breathing heavily.

I glance over at Rhys, who's watching us with undisguised hunger in his eyes. The sight sends a jolt of heat through me.

"Come here," I say to him, holding out my hand.

Rhys doesn't hesitate. He takes my hand, and I pull him close, kissing him with the same intensity I kissed Leon with. He tastes different—honey and sandalwood—but it's just as intoxicating.

I feel Leon press against my back, his lips finding the sensitive spot where my neck meets my shoulder. Right where the half-mark is.

I gasp into Rhys's mouth, my body trembling.

Clothes are shed hastily, falling to the floor in a forgotten heap. It's a relief with the fever, even if I'm not in heat. I find myself on my back, Leon hovering over me while Rhys kisses a trail down my neck.

It's overwhelming, the sensations, the scents, the heat building inside me. I arch my back, seeking more contact, more friction, more everything.

Leon's strong hands grip my hips, lifting me effortlessly. He turns me to face him, pulling me onto his lap. His eyes lock with mine, dark with desire.

"Use me," he says, voice rough. "Take what you need. Set the pace."

His words unfurl something deep within me. Something I didn't know was still even there. I crush my lips to his, desperate for more contact. Slowly, I lower myself onto him, gasping as he fills me. It feels too good. I have to fight back the emotions threatening to overwhelm me.

I pause, adjusting to the stretch. Leon's buried deep inside me, everything but his knot. He starts to move, driving up into me with slow, deep thrusts. His lips find mine again, then trail down my neck.

"You're so beautiful," he whispers against my skin, worshiping me with every touch.

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