Page 51 of Knot So Sweet

"You know, it’s okay to want this," I whispered, leaning in until my lips hovered over hers. I flicked my tongue across my bottom lip, tasting the anticipation in the air. "To wantme."

This close I could see flecks of jade in her baby-blue eyes. Everything else around us faded, dissolving into nothing, leaving just the two of us in that electrified, heated moment. My thumb traced along her jawline, slow and deliberate, memorizing the feel of her skin beneath my touch.

"Come on, it’s just a kiss, princess," I taunted softly. "Don’t you want to?"

Her wide eyes locked onto mine, and for a split second, time stood still. I could see the war waging inside her.

Desire against hesitation. Want versus pride.

"Just kiss me, Candi.I dare you."

Her breath hitched, and I leaned in closer, her scent wrapping around me like a drug, pulling me under.

"Unless you're scared."

Her blue eyes narrowed, and I felt the spark ignite, my body buzzing with pent-up energy.

"Fuck you, Ghost. I’m not scared of shit," she hissed, and before I could respond, her mouth was on mine.

Her teeth sank into my lower lip, the sharp bite yanking a growl from deep in my chest. My hand tightened in her hair, no longer gentle, as I pulled her closer, unable to hold back any longer. I deepened the kiss, capturing her lips, feeling the initial shock in her body melt into raw, burning desire.

Nothing else mattered—my shoulder, the brewing war between the Hounds and the Serpents, all of it disappeared. All I cared about was Candice Huxley—her taste, her scent, the way she felt in my arms.

Mine.

The kiss unleashed something wild inside me, something primal and untamed. A hunger that tore through me like wildfire, scorching my skin, burning through my veins. I yanked her against me, her soft curves fitting perfectly against my hard frame. Her scent—jasmine and lilac—wrapped around me, intoxicating and addicting. My heart thundered in my chest, a growl of approval rumbling from deep within. I nipped at her bottom lip, my tongue sweeping along the seam of her mouth, demanding entry.

She gasped, a soft sound that shot straight to my cock. Her lips parted, and I slipped my tongue inside, tasting her—sweet, addictive, like honey with a bite of sin. I deepened the kiss, fucking her mouth with slow, deliberate strokes, each one a tease, a promise of more.

Of what I'd do to her if she gave me the chance.

Her gasp turned into a pleasured moan, a sound so sinful it made every muscle in my body tighten. I groaned in response, pulling her even closer, my hands roaming over her body, gripping her hips, her waist, her ass. I needed to touch her, to feel every inch of her. I wanted to devour her, claim her in a way no one else could. My instincts burned hot beneath the surface, her perfume calling to me, begging for more.

She whimpered when I gripped her tighter, the sound vibrating through me. Her scent was overwhelming, dizzying, and I was drunk on it, drunk on her. It felt like she was made for me, like fate had carved out this moment just for us.

The kiss turned frantic, desperate, our mouths moving together in a wild, feverish dance. I could feel her heart hammering against my chest, her pulse erratic, matching my own.

Her moan deepened, and I sucked her tongue into my mouth, swallowing the sound, drowning in her. She had hesitated at first. But now? Her hands gripped my shirt, clinging to me likeshe never wanted to let go, and I pressed her harder against the wall, trapping her between me and the cold steel. I was going insane for her.

Shouts echoed in the distance, loud enough to break through the haze of the kiss, pulling me back to reality with a jolt. My chest heaved as I stepped away from Candi, her taste still lingering on my lips. My forehead rested against hers for a brief moment, just long enough to savor the heat between us before it was all shattered by the chaos unfolding across the lot.

"Watch your fucking mouth." Viper’s voice rang out again, sharp with rage.

I jerked my head up, heart pounding, my hand instinctively tightening on Candi’s waist.

What the hell was happening now?

My father and Viper were locked in a brutal grapple on the steps of the clubhouse bar, fists flying. My stomach dropped, the weight of the situation crashing down on me. Candi, too, was staring, wide-eyed, her shock written all over her face.

Her lipstick was smeared, her hair a mess from the ride and my fingers, and despite everything, she looked adorable. Fuckable.

God damn cock blockers.

But there was no time for that thought. This alpha bullshit was the last thing I needed right now.

"You will show, Candice respect," Viper growled, his voice a deadly calm, but full of warning. I watched as my father’s face twisted in anger, his jaw clenching tight.

My blood ran cold. He was disrespecting Candi?

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