Page 16 of Knot Only His

I tiptoe to my room with the lightest of steps until I reach my room and glance back.

“I’m Harlow’s friend. Are you going to be honest with her when she comes home?”

Friend?

He told me I was his.

I can’t takeit anymore.

I glance at my phone, seeing that it’s already past seven am. The guys will leave for hockey practice soon.

I’ll stay in my room until they leave. I’m not ready to see Colton. I don’t want him seeing the sadness written on my face.

Quickly, I step back into my room and lock the door, leaning against it as I try to calm my racing heart.

Maybe I misunderstood Colton with the girl. Otherwise, why is he asking about me?

His hand was stroking up and down her back.

I need to remember it all. I need to remember that I fucked his brother in retaliation—it can’t have been for any other reason.

What the hell have I done?

"She’s not enough."Carver's words to Colton echo in my head.

Last night with Carver was a mistake, and I need to get out of here before things escalate.

I scroll through my contacts until I find Holly’s number. I tap the screen and hold the phone to my ear, praying she answers.

“Hello?” Holly’s sleepy voice comes through the line.

“Holly, it’s me. I need your help,” I whisper urgently.

“Harlow? Are you okay?”

“I’m...I’m still at Colton’s place. But I—I need to get out of here. If the offer is still there...” I glance towards the door, wincing as I hear the raised voices from the kitchen. “I need to get out of New York.”

“Oh my god, what happened?” Holly asks, suddenly wide awake. “Has Colton–”

“I’ll explain later, but can you help me? Please, I’m begging you.”

There’s a brief pause, then Holly responds, “Of course. I’ll make some calls and then I’ll be there as soon as I can to pick you up. Just hang tight,okay?”

“You don’t have to do that. I just need to know there’s a job for me in LA and if you know of somewhere I can stay.”

“Yeah. Give me twenty minutes and I’ll get back to you.”

“Okay. Thank you, Holly. You’re a lifesaver.” I breathe a sigh of relief as she hangs up.

I press my ear to the door, trying to gauge how much time I have before the guys leave. The shouting has died down, but I can still hear the tension in their voices.

“It’s over, Colton. You blew it,” Carver says, his tone hard.

“What the hell are you talking about?” Colton demands.

“You know damn well what I’m talking about. Harlow deserves better than you.”

My heart leaps at Carver’s words, but I force myself to push those feelings aside.

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