Page 91 of Hard Knot

"Dreams change," I reply, matching his quiet tone, trying desperately not to show just how emotionally heavy his words are. "People change. I'm not the same girl you knew at Harvard."

"Maybe that's a good thing," Carter interjects, his voice still carrying that dangerous edge. "Because the Elizabeth Abercrombie I know doesn't let anyone define her future. Not even ghosts from her past."

I want to roll my eyes at his commentary, but I hold off, knowing he’s trying to wrap this up so he can steal me away from his “newfound” competition.

James's hands clench at his sides.

"You don't know anything about our past."

"I know enough," Carter counters. "I know she's here, in my arms, not running back to yours." His head tilts slightly as he studies James. "I also know you're not registered as a student here yet. Visitors aren't allowed in this wing without proper clearance."

The implied threat hangs in the air between them.

James's eyes narrow.

"How would you?—"

"Felix," Carter cuts him off, "is very thorough with his background checks. One of my pack mates, by the way. And right now, he's probably watching this whole interaction through about ten different security feeds. More or less, but I’m leaning toward the ‘more’ possibility."

As if on cue, my phone buzzes.

The message is from Felix.

"Want me to activate the sprinkler system? Might cool things down."

Despite the tension, I have to bite back a smile. Carter peaks at my phone, seeing the message which makes him chuckle as he announces, “Nah. Don’t want our girl getting too soaked beforeclass.” He pauses just so he can meet James’ gaze once more. “Only those worthy of admiring our Omegas’ sinful body get to see her wet silhouette at such close proximity.”

Damn…

Is it hot in here or is it just me…

Cause all of this is making me feel blazing.

I’m a bit relieved Carter’s holding me because I feel slightly lightheaded for some odd reason.

"You should go," I tell James gently, deciding I would rather he not be here if I suddenly faint. The one thing I’m sure hadn’t changed with James was his OCD when it comes to your health. The moment you’re sick, unwell, or even cough, he’s in medical mode, trying to solve the cure for cancer or some crazy shit. I still don’t get why he didn’t become a doctor like his other brothers. "Before this escalates into something none of us wants."

He studies me for a long moment, his expression unreadable.

"We're not done talking," he says finally. "There's too much left unsaid."

"Maybe," I concede. "But not now.” I have to further shake my head to emphasize my point. I know he understands, but if we want to have a true conversation about the past, he’ll have to wait for another opportunity. “Not like this."

James takes a step back, his posture relaxing slightly though his eyes remain fixed on Carter's arm around my waist. I see the way his adam’s apple moves up and down as he swallows, and his eyes meet mine once more, filled with a layer of resolve.

"I'll see you around, Eli."

James…

"No," Carter says pleasantly, "you won't."

We watch him walk away, his shoulders stiff with barely contained anger. Only when he turns the corner does Carter's grip on me loosen slightly.

"So," he says, his voice deceptively light, "A past acquaintance it seems?"

I turn in his arms to face him properly.

His expression is still hard, but there's something else there now — a flicker of uncertainty that makes my heart clench. I’d be lying if I pretended that my gut wasn’t sinking with a heaviness that makes me wonder if I was wrong for letting James walk away.

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