Page 44 of Knot Only His

So I just look at her face. Harlow is utterly flawless, with glossy dark brown hair that contrasts beautifully with her pale skin. And my god, those perfect green-blue eyes that stare at me, wide-eyed and questioning.

Everything about her makes my body zing to life.

My gaze lowers to her full mouth, beautiful deep pink lips that I plan on kissing soon.

“Since when?” she asks.

I smile.

Since I know you need me.

She tilts her head to one side. “And are you still playing hockey? I know you were injured.”

“Have you been checking up on me?” I touch her cheek as I look into her eyes.

She swallows.

That's all I need to know.

I nod. “I’m on a break.”

She smiles. “How long are you here for?”

“I’m considering a deal to play for the Los Angeles Raiders. They offered me a contract to start in the new season.”

And follow you.

And I had to follow her. I’ve been hooked on Harlow since I was thirteen years old and she was eleven, and now she knows I'm never letting her go.

“Is that why you’re here? To discuss your contract.” Harlow’s hands are on her hips as her question hangs in the air.

I meet her gaze. “And looking for you,” I reply, my voice gentle yet filled with purpose. It’s a simple answer, but true. I’m here because she is mine.

Not Harry’s or Colton’s... She is mine.

And she can’t deny the undeniable pull that draws us closer.

Time seems to stand still as we stare at each other. The atmosphere crackling between us as I lean closer to her, smelling the scent I guess only I can smell.

The weight of everything hangs heavy, and the air feels charged with electricity.

“But why?”

“Because you left me.” A smile graces my lips. She returns it with one of her own, revealing a glimpse of perfect white teeth against the contrast of her shiny pink lips.

I know she’s feeling the connection we share, the one we’ve both fought for eleven years.

And before either of us can utter a word, the world seems to pause as I hold the back of her neck and let our lips meet in a gentle, fleeting touch.

“I thought he was your fucking brother,” Harry hisses.

The stupid bastard came back. For what? A fist in his face? "Fuck off!"

Harlow pulls away from me, making me growl.

“Perverts." Harry has more guts than I gave him credit for.

Harlow turns to Harry and says, “Did I say brother? I thought I told you he is my ex’s brother.”

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