Page 133 of Knot Happening Again

Somber.

And still infuriatingly hot in his designer suit. It's disconcerting, and I'm not sure how to feel about it.

"Where are you two off to?" he asks, his voice carefully neutral.

Troy's arm tightens around my waist, a subtle show of possessiveness that makes my omega preen, even as my rational mind rebels against the idea of being owned. "I'm convincing our girl here to let me spoil her with a shopping spree," he says. "Maybe you can help, Leon. Tell her she deserves nice things."

I watch hope flicker across Leon's face. "You do deserve nice things, Ophelia," he says softly. Then, turning to Troy, "I could come along, if you want. Carry bags, whatever you need."

The eagerness in his voice is palpable.

He's not just offering to be helpful.

He's grasping at any chance to be near me.

"You're not helping," I mutter, but there's no real heat behind my words.

Troy laughs, the sound rumbling through his chest and into mine. "Looks like you're outvoted, princess. Better go put on those comfy shoes, 'cause we're about to hit every store in the city."

I sigh, knowing when I'm beaten. "Fine. But I'm drawing the line at anything with feathers or excessive glitter."

"No promises," Troy says with a wink, giving my ass another playful squeeze before releasing me.

As I head back upstairs to change, I can't help but wonder what I'm getting myself into. A shopping spree with Troy and Leon? It sounds like the setup for a bad joke.

Or a disaster waiting to happen.

But there's a part of me, a part I've kept locked away for so long, that's excited. That wants to be pampered and spoiled. That wants to feel beautiful and desired.

I slip on a pair of comfortable flats, taking a deep breath to steady myself. Whatever happens today, at least it won't be boring.

That much is certain.

When I come back downstairs, Troy and Leon are waiting by the door. The tension between them is palpable. But there's something else there too. A history, a bond that runs deeper than their current rivalry.

"Ready to go, princess?" Troy asks, his eyes raking over me appreciatively.

I nod, suddenly feeling shy under their combined gazes. "As ready as I'll ever be."

Leon opens the door, gesturing for me to go first. As I pass him, his scent washes over me. Pine and winter air, achingly familiar. For a moment, I'm transported back to that summer night, to the feeling of his arms around me, his lips on my skin.

I shake my head, banishing the memory.

That was a lifetime ago.

Things are different now.

Aren't they?

The drive to the mall is... interesting, to say the least. Troy bypasses his flashy sports car for a more comfortable SUV, and Leon rides in the back, but he's still close enough for me to be on edge. Their scents mingle in the enclosed space, making my head spin and my body react in ways I'd rather not pay too much attention to.

Troy keeps one hand on the wheel, the other resting possessively on my thigh. Leon stares out the window, his body rigid, but I can feel the heat radiating off him.

"So," I say, desperate to break the tension, "what exactly did you have in mind for this shopping trip?"

Troy's grin turns wicked. "Oh, a little of everything. Clothes, shoes, maybe some jewelry. And, of course, some special little numbers for the bedroom."

I feel my cheeks heat up again. "I really don't need?—"

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