Page 81 of Knot So Sweet

My breath hitched as his thumb wiped away my tears. I probably looked like a damn raccoon, but the way he was gazing at me? It felt like I hung the moon in his sky, as if I was the most beautiful, precious thing in the world.

In that moment, surrounded by his warmth and strength, I felt the barriers I had built begin to tremble, the walls I had erected against being hurt, starting to crack. But fear lingered in the depths of my heart, whispering warnings I struggled to ignore.

"Creed is on his way to get me," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper, fear mingling with the relief of my impending escape.

Viper's eyes landed on my lips, his thumb brushing over the spot where my lipstick had smudged away. A flicker of something intense ignited in his gaze, making my heart race.

"Fine. My nephew’s omega can take you home, but you’re still not leaving here until you eat something. I made omelets and hash browns. Come. Sit down."

As he slowly released me from his hold, I stumbled slightly, disoriented by the sudden absence of his warmth. Viper turnedhis back to me, returning to the stove. I hesitated, debating whether to follow his lead or make my escape.

"Sit down, Candice, or I’ll make you kneel for me," he called over his shoulder, his voice low and commanding.

I gasped, heat flooding my cheeks at the implication, and he chuckled softly, the sound sending a shiver down my spine.

I could picture it all too vividly. No, I wasn’t letting that happen. Not again. I shoved those thoughts deep down, wrestling with the rising tide of desire that threatened to drown me.

Still, I was torn. The idea of sitting down with him, of sharing a meal, felt far too intimate. But the scent of the omelets and hash browns wafted through the air, tempting me to let my guard down.

But every fiber of my being screamed caution.

Viper stood there, his back to me, cooking with an ease that made the room feel more like a home than I ever imagined it could be. I watched the muscles in his back ripple as he moved.

I chewed my lip, battling the whirlwind of emotions swirling within me. Was it worth the risk?

At least Creed would be here soon.

With a hesitant breath, I finally moved toward the table, my heart racing as I took the seat, knowing it was only a temporary reprieve from the storm raging inside me.

Chapter 35

Candi

We ate in silence,the only sounds filling the air were the soft clinks of cutlery against plates and the occasional hum of approval from Viper. His intense gaze followed my everymove, every bite I took, and with each hum, my cheeks flushed hotter. It was too damn warm in here, the atmosphere thick with unspoken words and tension.

I shifted in my chair, desperately trying to stem the rising heat pooling between my legs. I may not have been in heat at that moment, but Viper had a way of igniting a fire within me that I couldn’t easily extinguish.

He took a casual sip of his coffee, his elbows resting on the table, the picture of relaxed dominance as he observed me with those dark, piercing eyes. It was unnerving and intoxicating all at once, and I felt the weight of his attention like a physical force.

The stairs creaked, and I instinctively turned my gaze toward the hallway. Ghost appeared, his disheveled hair falling over his forehead, a sling in place, and wearing nothing but black basketball shorts. His inked skin glistened in the morning light, making my heart race as he moved with a fluid grace.

"Good morning," he grumbled, a lazy smile spreading across his lips as he made his way over to me. He leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss on my forehead, the warmth of his lips sending a comforting wave through me, but it also churned my stomach with the bittersweet weight.

Tears pricked at my eyes once again, the swell of emotions overwhelming me. Suddenly, my appetite vanished. I pushed my plate away, the remnants of my breakfast suddenly unappetizing, and Viper's brows furrowed, clearly displeased with my lack of interest in the meal he’d prepared.

I broke eye contact, avoiding the weight of his gaze, and followed Ghost as he poured himself a glass of apple juice, leaning casually against the sink.

"Everything okay?" Ghost asked, his gaze bouncing between us, concern etching lines into his forehead. "What’s going on?"

I cringed, glancing down at my plate as shame coursed through me. I expected Viper to tell him, to drop the bomb thatI was leaving, and for Ghost to join in, trying to convince me to stay. The thought of the two of them tag-teaming me twisted my stomach into knots.

Viper cleared his throat, breaking the heavy silence that hung over us like a storm cloud. "Candice is going home this morning. Creed will be here any minute to pick her up."

The silence that followed was deafening. My heart raced, anticipation gnawing at my insides as I slowly gathered the courage to look up at Ghost, whose mossy gaze trapped me like a deer in headlights.

"Why? What are you both not telling me?" Ghost asked, his tone low and steady, but the intensity in his eyes betrayed the storm brewing beneath his calm facade. He didn’t take his eyes off me, searching for answers I struggled to articulate.

"I—" I faltered, my voice barely a whisper. "I just need to go home, Ghost. I can’t stay here any longer." The admission felt heavy on my tongue, laden with all the reasons I couldn’t bear to say aloud.

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