Page 45 of Knot So Sweet

Ghost exhaled, relief flooding his features as he gently squeezed my wrist. A fresh wave of pine drifted between us, calming the restless hum beneath my skin.

I glanced at Owen, who had been watching our exchange silently, his jaw tight and arms crossed over his chest. He didn’t like this—didn’t like me leaving with Ghost, even if he wouldn’t say it out loud.

"Owen…" I began, but he held up a hand, cutting me off before I could say more.

His gaze shifted to Ghost's. "I assume you're taking her to Serpent territory."

Ghost gave a sharp nod, but it was Pixie who spoke. "Yes, we have a doctor at the clubhouse who will look at his injury."

Owen folded his arms across his chest, his eyes never leaving Ghost's, even as Pixie spoke. "I need your word that my sister will be safe there."

Ghost grunted. "Iswearit."

My chest tightened. Gears had an issue with me being at the compound, and if it weren’t for Pixie stepping in yesterday, that situation could have been far worse.

Pixie shifted uncomfortably, like he wanted to say something about Gears, but held his tongue.

Now wasn’t the time.

This time, going into the Serpent's den, I wasn’t going in unarmed. My favorite dagger, tucked into my bra, burned against my skin, a reminder that I would defend myself if necessary. Hopefully, it didn't come to that. I wasn't sure how Viper would react if I stabbed his VP—or Ghost, for that matter.

He was his father, after all.

In the lit alley behind the Den, my gaze landed on two sleek bikes.

Fuck.

He was going to ask me to ride with him, wasn’t he?

The thought alone sent a shiver through me, my core tightening involuntarily. I could already picture it—his firm body in front of mine, the rumble of the engine beneath us, and my legs wrapping around him, thighs pressing tight as the world blurred past.

No way I was going to keep my thoughts straight if that happened.

"Have you ever ridden before?" Ghost asked.

My heart raced. My mind immediately dropped into the gutter. It wasn't riding his bike that raced through my thoughts, but riding him. His body beneath mine, the thrill of being in control of someone as powerful as him.

I shook my head, forcing my focus back to the moment, but the heat creeping up my cheeks betrayed me.

The mischievous glint in his eyes told me he knew exactly what I was thinking. "Don't worry, princess, I've been picturing you riding me too."

"Ghost," I gasped, my cheeks burning.

Damn him and his mouth. My gaze dropped to his full lips and my mouth suddenly went dry.

Great.

Now I was stuck thinking about his mouth. Wondering how it would feel to be kissed by him, the heat of his lips against mine.

Pixie cackled as he straddled his bike, the sound cutting through the tension. "Come on, lovebirds!" I narrowed my eyes on him as he slipped his helmet on.

"Princess," Ghost said.

My gaze flicked to his. He was already mounted on his bike, a challenge glinting in his eyes as he held out his helmet to me. My heart raced like a hummingbird's wings.

I hesitated, taking him in—leather, ink, and that devil-may-care attitude that made my stomach flutter.

God, he was gorgeous.

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