Page 23 of Knot So Sweet

The smirk on his lips vanished, replaced by a flash of genuine concern.

With a shaky breath, I squared my shoulders and managed to croak out, "I need security at the club. Are you still planning on helping me?"

I didn't know what I would do if they refused.

"Why? What’s happened? Is it the Hounds?" Viper asked from behind me. Despite his questions, my gaze remained locked on the Serpents’ enforcer, unable to look away from the storm of emotions roiling within him.

There was something about Ghost that pulled me in, and I was lost in his mossy eyes. He calmed me in a way no one ever had. It was dangerous and addictive.

"No. It’s not the Hounds. Not really," I whispered, licking my dry lips.

"Then what is it, princess? You know you can stay here if you need to. We’ll keep you safe." My heart ached at the sincerity in Ghost's voice, but I shook my head. I hated asking for help, but I was desperate.

"Can you help me or not?"

Ghost’s nostrils flared in response, and he broke our connection to shoot daggers at his president. Viper and Ghost looked at each other over my head, their unspoken exchange sending a fresh wave of unease through me. Viper brushed my hair from my shoulder with a feather-like touch as he spoke.

"Ghost and Pixie will set up security. I’ll have them come by tomorrow. Don’t worry, your club will be safe."

I glanced over my shoulder, caught off guard by his willingness to help. The surprise wasn’t just at his readiness, but also at the fact that he wasn’t including himself in the security detail. Why did that disappointment gnaw at me?

"You won’t be there?" My voice cracked, betraying the desperation I felt. It was fucking embarrassing how much I wanted him near me.

I bit my lip, acutely aware of how ensnared I was between them. Viper’s gaze dropped to my mouth, and for a heart-stopping moment, I thought he might kiss me. But then his eyes met mine again, darker and more intense, as if he could peer into every dirty thought swirling in my mind.

I hated how effortlessly he could read me, when I couldn't read him at all.

"Did you want me there, sweetheart?" he asked, his brows furrowing in genuine surprise. His fingers landed on my chin, drawing small, soothing circles that sent electric jolts through me.

I swallowed the denial on my tongue, my mouth parting as I tried to resist his insinuation. But instead, I nodded, feeling my resolve crumble.

I did want him there. I wanted both of them with me. The idea of having them close made me feel safer, even if I was teetering on the edge of my heat. It was risky being near them when it was this close, but I couldn’t fight the pull.

What the hell is happening to me?

"I wish I could, sweetheart. But I have club business to handle. However, if you want to stay, my club doors are always open to you. And when you’re here, no one will dare touch you." His voice dripped with a dark, dangerous promise.

Viper’s lips curled into a sly, unsettling smile as his hand traced along my face, finally cupping my jaw. His implication was clear. No one but him or Ghost would ever dare touch me. The thought ignited a dark thrill within me, and I leaned against Ghost’s solid chest, my eyes fluttering closed.

Viper’s chuckle was a low, throaty rumble that sent electric shivers racing down my spine. He lightly tugged a strand of my hair, his smile widening as I instinctively leaned closer, nearly stumbling forward, lost in their intoxicating scent and touch.

"I won’t lie," Viper’s voice was dark and teasing, holding a raw edge that made my pulse race. "I wish I could be there. I’ve been fantasizing about taking you in one of your back rooms at the club. Making you beg for release."

The image that invaded my mind was vivid and relentless.

Viper’s dominant form bending me over this very desk, his grip like iron on my hips as he claimed me from behind. I squeezed my eyes shut, desperately trying to shake the thought, but it clung to me with maddening persistence.

Ghost’s heat at my back and Viper’s wicked words were a dangerous combination, pulling me ever closer to the edge of surrender.

My breaths were ragged, each one a struggle to regain some semblance of control. But all that did was drown me in their whiskey and pine, a delicious concoction that made me dizzy with need.

Viper’s provocative words only served to unravel me further. I was standing on the edge, every moment threatening to plunge me into a churning sea of desire and desperation.

Ghost’s arms tightened around me, his erection pressing insistently against my back. I forced myself out of his hold, not even sure when he had encircled me. Though, let’s be honest, when it came to Ghost, I could never force him to do anything. He had chosen to listen to me and let me go.Again.

Once he took a small step back, I finally found my voice. "If you think I’ll ever beg for you, you’re delusional," I forced out, trying to sound resolute, but my voice betrayed me with its tremor.

Viper's smirk twisted into something even more wicked, his eyes alight with dark amusement. Leaning his hip against the desk again, he let his gaze rove down my curves with unsettling hunger.

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