Page 1 of Knot Only His

Chapter 1

Harlow

The smile plastered across my face is professional, but inside, I’m seething.

My boss, Mark, stares at me as he leans back in his leather chair, spinning a check between his fingers like he’s doing me some grand favor.

“You did a fantastic job helping on the Jack Evans contract,” he says, his teeth gleaming with that shark-like agent smile. “Your connections to Colton Sinclair and the New York Bears are paying off.”

He flicks his finger and the bonus lands on my desk.

I reach across and pick it up.

Five thousanddollars.

Five thousand dollars for weeks of networking, cultivating relationships, digging through junior league stats, and leveraging every single contact I’ve built over the past two years.

He thinks Jack Evans landed on his lap because of my contacts and not my hard work.

And that fucking stings.

My fingers curl slightly, nails pressing into my palm.

I deserve more than this. So much more than money.

“I’ve been bringing in top talent consistently,” I say, trying to keep my voice level. “The Jack Evans’ lead wasn’t just luck, nor my relationship status. It was strategic.”

My eyes lock with Mark’s, challenging him to deny the depth of my work.

Mark waves his hand, already dismissing me. “Keep doing what you’re doing, Harlow. Your boyfriend’s connections are gold.”

His admission lands like a slap to my face.

My boyfriend’s connections.

Not my skills.

Not my intelligence.

Not my hard work.

Just my proximity to Colton and his hockey network.

I want to scream. Instead, I smile. “Of course.”

“And have the rest of the day off. You deserve it.”

“I do.” The words come out rougher than intended.

I pick up the check and my purse and leave my office.

Another day of being underestimated, used as a conduit rather than recognized as the talent I am and because of that, the elevator ride down feels suffocating.

My phone buzzes with a text from my boyfriend of eleven years.

Colton: I’m at a party tonight. Don’t wait up.

Another hockey party. Another night of him living his dream while I work in the cutthroat world of sports management. And another night where we go our own ways.

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