Page 43 of Knot So Sweet

I missed this.

"Come on, youpussy," I taunted as Travis toppled over, clutching his probably broken rib.

"That’s enough," Hux’s voice boomed from behind me. He stepped into the room, adjusting his cufflinks with an air of authority as he casually approached Jordan.

The tension in the room shifted immediately. Pixie came to stand beside me, his eyes scanning over me to ensure I was alright. He raised an eyebrow in silent question, and I gave a curt nod, though my shoulder throbbed painfully from where I’d taken the hit.

Still, it was nothing compared to the thought of that bat hitting my princess. I couldn’t give a damn about my own pain. As long as she was safe, I’d be fine.

"You need to pay your dues, Hux," Jordan sneered, his voice laced with challenge.

Hux stroked his beard, an amused smirk curling on his lips. "No. I don’t think we do. But you might want to leave if you don’t want to deal with the authorities. The new security system my man Pixie just installed has already dispatched them."

As if on cue, the distant wail of sirens cut through the silence.

The three Hounds exchanged glances, their bravado evaporating in an instant before they bolted toward the front door. Travis, the last one out, paused and shot a look at Candi.

His eyes roved over her, and I felt a growl building in my chest, threatening to spill out. "This isn’t over, sweet tart. I’ll see you soon," he spat, before slipping out the door.

The moment the door closed behind them, the room fell into a heavy silence, the tension still thick in the air. Glass and liquor littered the floor from the chaos, but Hux’s sharp blue eyes were locked on me, assessing. There was something eerily similar in the way Candi’s eyes could hold the same intensity.

"You good?" he asked, and I nodded stiffly.

"Good. But you and Pix need to leave."

"Fuck no. I’m not leaving her," I growled, my voice low and rough, brimming with unspent fury.

"Ghost," Pixie said quietly, a warning lacing his tone. He was reminding me of the stakes here, of the bigger picture. But I wasn’t hearing it. All I cared about was making sure Candi was safe. The thought of leaving her, of her being vulnerable for even a second, was unthinkable.

"I’m. Not. Leaving. Her," I repeated, my voice unyielding.

Hux let out a frustrated sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose as if trying to keep himself from snapping. "Fine, Ghost. You can stay. But at least go out back and let me deal with Sheriff Bradshaw."

Relief washed over me, but it didn’t lessen the ache in my shoulder. The adrenaline was starting to wear off, and the pain flared, sharp and unforgiving. I winced, instinctively grabbing my elbow to ease the pressure.

Pixie, ever the hawk, noticed immediately. His brows furrowed in concern. "Let’s go, son. I’ll take a look at that shoulder, see if Doc needs to check it out."

I barely heard him. My focus was locked on Candi, who stood across the room, uncertainty etched on her face. I couldn’t leave without knowing. With a low growl, I crossed the room in three swift strides, cupping her face in my hands. The softness of her skin sent a rush of warmth through me, but my heart pounded with uncertainty.

"Do you want me to leave?" I asked, my voice quieter, softer, as I searched her eyes. The thought of leaving crushed me, but if she asked, I would go. I would do anything for her.

As I studied her face, a whirlwind of emotions surged within me—fear, protectiveness, love. What if she really wanted me gone? The idea twisted in my gut like a blade.

What if she thought she’d be safer without me? I couldn’t stand the thought of leaving her, but I knew I couldn’t force my way into her life. The Hounds were still out there, a threat looming over us, and every instinct screamed at me to stay by her side, to protect her.

But there was that nagging thought, the one that questioned whether my presence might put her in more danger. What if by staying, I was taking away her choices?

Was it selfish to want to stay? Maybe. But I’d die for her if I had to. And if she asked me to go, if she truly believed it would make her safer, I would. No matter how much it hurt.

It was her choice. Just like Viper said. And I would honor it. If she wanted me gone, I’d leave. But if she wanted me to stay, I’d stay.

I’d do anything she asked of me.

Anything.

Chapter 19

Candi

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