Page 22 of Knot So Sweet

Pixie had advised me to be a straight shooter, so I held the Serpent’s president’s gaze, forcing myself to meet his intense stare, despite the knot tightening in my stomach. My pulse raced, each beat growing louder in my ears as his eyes darkened, a shadow creeping across his expression.

He stood slowly, like a predator circling prey, and rounded the massive oak desk that separated us. The air between us thickened with each deliberate step he took, his boots echoing on the wooden floors.

My heart hammered harder against my ribs, my body betraying the calm façade I was desperately trying to maintain. A cold sweat trickled down the back of my neck, and I resisted the urge to wipe it away.

When Viper finally stopped in front of me, he was too close. Close enough that I could feel the heat radiating from his body, and smell the intoxicating mix of leather and whiskey that clung to him.

His presence was suffocating, consuming every bit of space around me, until it felt like there was no air left to breathe. He sat on the edge of the desk, leaning forward on his knees to bring us closer to eye level. The proximity made my skin tingle with awareness, and I silently cursed myself for reacting this way.

Viper’s rough fingertips brushed a stray lock of hair away from my face, the calloused touch deceptively gentle. That small, intimate gesture sent a sharp shiver down my spine, like a spark lighting up my nerves.

My body betrayed me further as my nipples tightened into hard peaks beneath my shirt, making my breath hitch in my throat. I clenched my teeth, trying to mask the reaction, furious with myself for how easily he affected me.

He stared at me with those sharp, predatory eyes, and I felt as though he could see right through me. "I told you, Candice," he finally spoke, his voice a low, dangerous growl that rumbled from the pit of his stomach. "I want you as mine. I made myself clear, didn’t I? I protect your little club, and you give me a chance."

He tilted his head slightly, as if assessing me, his lips curling into a knowing smirk. "Were you here to sample what I’m offering? I’ve been waiting for you."

Yes.The traitorous thought whispered in the back of my mind, heat swirling low in my belly, tightening my core. My bodywanted to give in, to melt under his touch. But I couldn’t—I wouldn’t.

My breath hitched, and panic seized me as I forced the words out.

"W-what? N-no, I mean—" I swatted his hand away from my face, the contact jolting me back to reality. I had to regain control, but it felt like I was grasping at sand slipping through my fingers.

"I need security cameras and whatever else you guys do for the club," I stammered, the words spilling out faster than I intended. "I need it done sooner rather than later."

I launched into a rambling explanation, trying desperately to steer the conversation away from whatever Viper had planned. "We’ve had issues in the past, and with the reopening, I want to make sure we have the best setup possible. It’s crucial for everyone’s safety. I’m talking about state-of-the-art cameras, motion sensors, everything. I need that place secure and… under control."

My voice quivered slightly, betraying my frustration and nerves. I wanted him to focus on the task at hand—on what I needed—but his intense gaze remained fixed on me, unreadable, as if he were toying with me. The tension between us crackled like a live wire, and I could feel my grip on the situation slipping.

I stood abruptly, needing to put some distance between us, needing space to breathe. But the moment I moved, I felt something solid behind me. My heart skipped a beat as my back collided with a hard, unyielding surface. I turned slowly, my stomach dropping as I looked up.

It wasn’t a wall.

It was Ghost.

His broad chest was pressed against my back, his vibrant green eyes burning into mine with a hunger that mirroredViper’s. My pulse quickened, my throat tightening as I realized just how precarious my situation had become.

Fuck.

Chapter 11

Candi

Ghost’s strong arms bandedaround my waist, steadying me as my knees wobbled, threatening to give out. I swallowed hard, my throat tight as I met Ghost’s knowingsmirk. Bastard. He knew exactly how much the two of them were driving me crazy.

This was the first time he’d ever been this close to me, and his pine scent enveloped me like a comforting cloak—warm Christmas Eve and long-lost happiness. I breathed in his scent with a desperate need, trying to ground myself.

They both tugged at my omega instincts, equally tempting. Viper stepped up behind me, and even though he wasn’t touching me, I could feel his presence just out of reach, heightening my senses. I let out a whimper, my head spinning. Ghost’s strong arms were the only thing keeping me from collapsing.

A fresh wave of slick pooled at the apex of my thighs, and I bit down hard on the inside of my lip, fighting a shudder of arousal. I needed to get the Den secured quickly or risk everything, because I wasn’t sure if I could deny my need for them.

My thoughts were a jumbled mess. Touching either of them was a mistake. Being here in Viper’s office was a mistake. I hated my body at that moment. I couldn’t control it, and I hated it more than anything.

"I can smell your heat coming, princess," Ghost purred, his head tilting as his predatory gaze roamed over my curves.

"Let me go," I murmured, my voice barely more than a whisper.

I exhaled and pushed against Ghost’s solid abs, desperate for a moment of clarity. He took a deliberate step back, granting me the space I desperately needed.

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