Page 40 of Knot So Sweet

"Look at her, Dare," Jordan sneered, tossing me toward his friend like I was a toy. "She’s trembling. Isn’t that cute?"

Dare caught me easily, his hands immediately finding my hips, pulling me against him as his fingers curled under the waistband of my pants, tugging them roughly. "Think she’ll beg?" he asked with a sick grin, fingers brushing my bare skin as he jerked my pants lower.

"Get off me!" I screamed, writhing in his grasp, but it was no use. His fingers were everywhere, invasive and cold, stripping away not just my clothes, but my dignity, my sense of safety.

Jordan stepped closer, looming over me with a smug smirk. "You’re just making it harder for yourself, Candi. Omegas like you… you were made for this. For me and my beta to enjoy."

My heart pounded, panic surging as I twisted wildly, throwing an elbow into Jordan’s gut. I felt the brief satisfaction of his breath hitching, but it wasn’t enough. "Let me go!" I screamed again, the words breaking into a sob.

"Oh, she’s feisty," Dare cooed mockingly, his hand moving to cup my throat, fingers pressing down just enough to cut off my air. "But you’re only making this more fun for us."

He tightened his grip, his other hand ripping the rest of my shirt away, leaving me in nothing but my bra, exposed and trembling beneath their hungry gazes.

Tears streaked my face as Jordan yanked me back toward him, his lips twisting into a cruel grin as he grabbed the waistband of my panties, snapping them against my skin. "Don’t worry, Candi, we’ll be gentle. At first."

"Please," I whimpered, voice barely audible, my body shaking with fear as Dare’s hands roamed over my body, fingers leaving bruises in their wake. The darkness around us closed in, suffocating, as their taunts blended into the night.

"Tell us how much you want it," Dare hissed, his lips brushing my ear. "Come on. Beg. I can smell your slick. Your body wants us."

I shook my head violently, choking on my sobs as I struggled, the desperation clawing at my chest. I had to get away. I couldn’t let this happen. Not again.

With a sudden surge of adrenaline, I slammed my foot down onto Dare’s, hard enough to make him grunt in pain. His grip loosened for a split second, and I took my chance. I shoved Jordan with all the strength I had left, making him stumble back, surprise flickering in his eyes.

But I knew I wasn’t free yet. They would be on me in seconds, but the brief window of escape was all I had. I ran, heart pounding wildly in my chest as their laughter followed me, sick and twisted.

I dashed toward a massive tree, pressing myself against the rough bark, praying the darkness would hide me. I shivered as I hid in nothing but my bra and panties.

"Where are you hiding, Candi?" Dare’s voice was close now, too close.

I held my breath, every sound amplified in the silence. Their footsteps slowly faded, and I let out a shuddering sigh. But a sudden snap of a branch behind me made my heart jump. I screamed, stumbling backward.

"Shh, Candi. It’s me. You’re safe," a raspy voice whispered from the shadows.

Roman’s bulky frame emerged from the darkness, his dark hair falling over his eyes. Relief washed over me as I collapsed into his arms, sobbing uncontrollably. "You're safe now," he repeated.

I nodded, and the moment his words registered, a choked sob escaped me, the sound bursting forth before I could contain it. I shot up and threw myself into his broad chest. The warmth of his body felt like a sanctuary amidst the chaos, and I felt the dam break as sobs racked my frame.

"I thought they’d get me," I gasped, clinging to him as relief washed over me, mingling with the remnants of terror. "How did you find me?"

"Lincoln," he whispered, wrapping his jacket around me. His scent—like rain with an earthy undertone—curled around me, pushing away the memories of fear and the sour taste of lemon. I buried my face in the fabric, trembling as gratitude surged through me.

Thank God Roman found me before they did.

Roman was a gentle giant and had been on the receiving end of Travis and his crew's cruel games. I remembered how Linc had always defended him, and now, because of both of them, I was safe.

Travis and his friends had cornered Roman in the halls at school freshman year, mocking him for being different, for being the silent type. I had felt a mix of anger and helplessness. I hadwanted to fight back, to shield him from their cruelty, but all I could do was watch. Now, here he was, saving me when I felt most vulnerable.

Chapter 18

Ghost

Candi's scent turned souras soon as the front door of the Den burst open. Her fresh jasmine and lilac scent curdled with fear. I tugged her into my chest protectively, a lowpurr emanating deep within me as I watched the three Hounds stride into the bar: Jordan, Travis, and Dare.

The one I hated the most was Jordan, the kingpin’s son. His father was responsible for so much carnage, spreading pain like a wildfire through our lives. If I couldn’t get to Titus, I’d settle for his offspring. Jordan’s arrogant swagger, that gleam of malice in his dark eyes—it fueled my rage.

He needed to be put down like the rabid dog he was.

The way Candi trembled, her eyes fluttering shut, broke something inside me. It wasn’t about revenge right now; it was about making sure she was safe. I held her close, leaning into her hair, murmuring into her ear, so only she could hear me.

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