Page 33 of Hard Knot

Unspoken Rules

~ELIZABETH~

"Ican do it myself, you know," I mutter, watching as Carter's large hands carefully wrap the bandage around my foot. His touch is surprisingly gentle for someone who looks like they could bench press a car.

After seeing him naked, this Alpha is hiding those muscles beneath the below-average uniform. I’m sure he chest presses daily.

He could surely bench-press me.

The shower had helped ease some of the tension in my muscles, but it did nothing for the electricity that crackles through my skin every time his fingers brush against me. Even through the bandage, his touch sets my nerves on fire.

It’s going to be hard to stem away from this feeling when he’s no longer around….

I try not to think about it.

"You're wrapping it too tight," I complain, trying to distract myself from how good he smells – that intoxicating mix of vanilla, aged whiskey, and spice seems even stronger now in the steamy locker room. "I won't be able to walk properly like this."

“I know you’re lying,” he notes. His hazel eyes flick up to meet mine, that infuriating smirk playing on his sinful lips. "And if that’s not the case, I'll carry you."

Heat floods my cheeks, and I hate how my body responds to the idea.

"Hell no. Everyone in this school already thinks I'm desperate enough without me getting carried around by an Alpha."

"Oh?" His fingers pause in their work, amusement dancing in his eyes. "And what would they think?"

I roll my eyes, fighting back a smile.

"That I finally snapped and resorted to voodoo or something.” I don’t know why it’s suddenly so funny envisioning half these bitches and the Alphas who join in the gossip reacting to the sight of us. “Oh look, the Forgotten One got so desperate she had to curse an Alpha into carrying her around.”

Carter laughs, the sound rich and genuine.

"That's actually kind of funny." His hands resume their work, but his eyes hold mine. "But trust me, no one will be worried about you hanging around us. If anything, they'll probably think you're the one who's been cursed."

Oh really?

The way his remark interests me. Honestly, I just fucked a stranger basically, which means he could be warning me of some secret he’s hiding. Then again, if he ended up being some serial killer, would I mind?

I mean…as long as he’s not killing me, I doubt I’d care.

"You don't look that dangerous," I say before I can stop myself, taking in his perfectly pressed uniform and artfully styled hair.

The look he gives me makes my breath catch. His eyes darken, that perfect mouth curving into something that's more predator than playboy.

"No?"

I huff, looking away.

"Never mind."

The silence that follows is charged, and heavy with unspoken possibilities. I try to focus on the methodical way he's wrapping my feet, but my mind keeps wandering to the fact that the usual post-audition crowd hasn't appeared.

Where’s the congregation of bitches ready to taunt me for my failures?

"Weird that no one's shown up yet," I say, glancing at the door. "Usually this place is swarming with Omegas by now, all fighting for the good shower stalls."

Carter shrugs, but there's something too casual about it.

"Maybe they're still trying to prove their worth on stage or something."

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