Page 112 of Knot Made to Break: Part One

KITANIA

For someonewho had once dreamed of nothing more than safety, I’d never imagined it could come with so much boredom.

“You’re fidgeting again.” Tommas’ voice was warm but pointed as he peered over the top of the book he was holding. He’d been reading to me, but somewhere in the middle of the chapter, my mind had wandered.

I blushed, stilling my restless hands—though the effort didn’t last long before I began drumming my fingers on my thigh once more.

It had been three weeks since our movie date when everything had gone to hell. Three weeks wrapped in the warmth and safety of the penthouse, surrounded by my mates. Three weeks of watching reality TV and an endless amount of rom-coms to keep things lighthearted while I recovered.

And while those three weeks had been amazing in many ways, after having a small taste of freedom, of the life we couldbe having if not for the danger I was currently under, the four walls surrounding me felt as though they were closing in.

I was pretty sure I was going a little stir crazy.

Tommas closed the book in his hands with a soft thud that unfortunately made me jump. Ever since getting shot, I’d been… skittish. Loud noises easily startled me and my nightmares were back with a vengeance, only this time, they had more inspiration to fuel them.

Drinking more coffee just to get through the achingly long days had become habitual. Which, come to think of it, was most likely contributing to my restlessness.

“Okay, that’s enough of that,” he said, stretching his arms above his head. I eyed the book longingly; even if my attention had drifted, the sound of his voice had been a comfort.

“But I liked that part,” I lied, hoping he’d pick it back up. Unsurprisingly, he wasn’t fooled.

“You can finish it later. It’s clear you’ve got too much energy to sit still right now.”

He stood and held out a hand for me to take. I stared at it for a moment, then up at him questioningly. Despite not knowing what he had planned, I took it, letting him pull me up gently. Just like always, he was mindful of my healing injury.

“Where are we going?” I asked as he slung an arm carefully around my shoulders, standing on my good side so he wouldn’t accidentally bump or brush against my bandaged bicep. The warmth of his body seeped into mine, and I leaned into him just to soak up a little more.

Dimitri walked in from the kitchen as we passed, a steaming mug of coffee in hand. His eyes locked onto Tommas, and I could see the tension in his shoulders.

“Tommy,” he warned, the single word heavily weighted.

“Don’t worry. We’re not leaving the house, but Butterfly needs to spread her wings a little,” Tommas shot back with hisusual confidence. He looked down at me with a reassuring smile and gave me a wink. I couldn’t help but notice how his green eyes sparkled with mischief.

Dimitri sighed and stared into his coffee. Of the four brothers, he was the most possessive, the most protective. He’d been the one to set up my strict recovery regimen, which included forbidding me from venturing outside until the threat from the Valentinos had been dealt with.

Still, I could see how badly he wanted me to be happy, even if it meant bending some of the rules he’d put in place.

“Just be careful,” Dimitri said, tone softer now.

With that, Tommy led me toward the elevator.

“Where are we going?” I questioned.

Despite the nervous flips my stomach was making, I was excited to do something that differed from the monotony of my normal day to day.

“That’s for me to know, and you to find out.”

He flashed a wide grin when I pouted.

“I think you enjoy my suffering,” I teased, and in an instant, Tommy’s mask slipped.

Capturing my chin, he tilted my face up toward his. “No, Butterfly, I don’t.” There were so many emotions flitting through his gaze. “I can’t stand to see you suffer, which is why I’m taking you to do something important.”

The doors slid open with a soft ding, revealing what looked like a luxury basement—an easy guess given the long elevator ride and the obvious lack of windows.

“Are we allowed to be down here?” I questioned, stepping out tentatively at his side.

He smirked. “Don’t worry. All of this is ours. Another one of our private floors. Owning the building comes with some perks.” He shot me a wink.

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