Page 79 of Knot So Sweet

But where the hell was Viper? Why wasn’t he here?

I had to get out of here. Now.

Snatching my phone off the nightstand. I took off toward the bathroom door, my pulse thrummed wildly as I pulled the door closed behind me, my bare feet padding across the cool floor.

I shut myself in the bathroom, hands trembling as I gripped the edge of the sink and stared at my reflection in the mirror.

Who was I now? I barely recognized the girl staring back at me. My hair was wild, my skin flushed, and the remnants of last night clung to me like a heavy weight.

Their hands, their lips, their marks—everything was still on me. I could still feel them. It wasn’t supposed to be like this. I wasn’t supposed to fall. But here I was, drowning in their world, tangled in a web of feelings I wasn’t ready for.

I had trusted them.

My chest squeezed painfully as old wounds resurfaced, memories of all the times I had trusted someone only to be torn apart. My father’s wrath, Travis’ betrayal, Jordan’s manipulation. Adam's forced bite on Kay and his claim over me.

My entire life was a series of heartbreaks and broken promises and control, and I had been a fool to think this would be any different. That Viper and Ghost wouldn’t do the same.

With trembling fingers, I scrolled through my contacts, finding the one name I knew I could rely on.

Creed.

He would come. He’d understand. He’d get me out of here without asking too many questions. Without judgment.

I hit call, my breath hitching as the phone rang in my ear. Each ring was like a ticking clock, reminding me of how close I was to breaking. I couldn’t stay here. I wouldn’t.

"Candi?" Creed’s voice was thick with sleep.

"Creed," I choked, fighting back the sob stuck in my throat. "I need you to come get me."

"Why, what happened?" His voice sharpened, the protectiveness I had always relied on flaring up.

"I... I shouldn’t have let them—" My voice cracked, the words too heavy to say out loud.

"Did they hurt you?" His voice was steel now, ready to go to war for me. "Iswear to God, if Viper laid a finger—"

"No!" I cut him off quickly, my heart racing. I glanced at the door. Hoping Ghost didn't hear me yell. "No, Creed, they didn’t hurt me. It’s not like that." My voice wavered, barely holding together. "Please, just come get me."

There was a long pause on the other end. Then, a heavy sigh. "I’ll be there soon."

"Hurry," I whispered, clutching the phone to my chest after the call ended.

I sank to the floor, my heart hammering, mind spinning. I had to get out before Viper found me. He would see right through to the core of my fears and try to convince me to stay.

I couldn’t let that happen. I wouldn’t let anyone hurt me. Not again.

Slowly, I stood on shaky legs. With one last glance at Ghost’s sleeping form, I left the comfort of the nest. Taking the stairs two at a time, I hurried toward my escape.

But I didn’t make it far.

There he was—Viper, standing in the kitchen like he hadn’t just torn my world apart.

"Morning, sweetheart," he called over his shoulder, the smell of bacon and eggs wafting through the air. "I was just about to bring you breakfast in bed."

His dark eyes met mine, and for a second, I almost broke. Almost let the dam burst. But then I remembered.

No. I couldn’t. I couldn’t stay here.

I clutched my phone to my chest, my throat closing up, and forced myself to stand tall.

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