Page 50 of Knot Beneath the Mistletoe

Something dangerous flashes in his eyes. “Good girl.”

Those two words shouldn’t affect me the way they do or have a tingle down in the pit of my stomach slide to between my thighs. I want to blame it on my impending heat—it has to be close, given how I’m reacting—but I worry it’s more than that.

The sky lift carries us higher, and I’m caught between the breathtaking view and the equally breathtaking man beside me. Below, the world has transformed into a glittering wonderland of lights and shadows, but Knox’s eyes never leave my face.

“Not having second thoughts about coming out with me tonight?” he asks, voice teasing but with that underlying current of heat that leaves my skin tingling.

I snort, channeling snark to hide how affected I am. “Please. You saved me. If you wanted to hurt me, you had your chance.”

His answering grin is pure predator. Then his fingers trail up my arm, feather-light but leaving fire in their wake.

“Why is your pulse racing, pretty girl?”

“Altitude,” I manage to say, but we both know it’s a lie. The way his nostrils flare tells me he can smell exactly what he’s doing to me, and that shouldn’t be as hot as it is.

“They’ll use your own body against you,” my mother’s voice whispers. “That’s how they trap you.”

When Knox’s hand slides into my hair, gently tugging my head back to expose my neck,trappedis the last thing I feel. Instead, I feel... powerful. Wanted. His eyes are dark, flooded with need, but he’s waiting, letting me make the choice.

“The view up here really is spectacular,” I say.

“Mm.” His thumb traces my jawline. “I couldn’t tell you. Haven’t taken my eyes off you long enough to notice.”

I laugh, but it catches in my throat as his grip tightens slightly. “That was terrible. Do you practice these lines in the mirror?”

He chuckles, and I love the sound of his laugh. He’s closer now, so close I can see the hues of blue in his eyes.

The growl that rumbles through his chest is pure Alpha, then he leans closer, and I meet him halfway. His mouth is on mine. The kiss starts slow, but there’s nothing careful about the way his hand fists in my hair to hold me in place or how his other arm bands around my waist, dragging me closer.

He tastes like winter air and something spicier. His tongue swirls with mine, and I moan at the effect he has on me. Knox responds with another growl, deepening the kiss until I’m practically climbing into his lap, my hands fisted in his jacket.

“Fucking perfect,” he mutters against my lips before trailing kisses down my neck. When he finds my pulse point, he nips lightly, and my whole body jerks. “Been wanting to taste you since the moment I saw you.”

“Knox...” I’m burning up, everything too much and not enough.

“I know, pretty girl.” His voice is rough, wrecked. “I know exactly what you need.”

The sky lift begins to slow, and Knox pulls back just enough to rest his forehead against mine. We’re both breathing hard, and I must look thoroughly kissed—lips swollen, hair mussed, cheeks flushed.

“You’re gorgeous like this,” he says, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. “All hot and bothered because of me.”

“You’re very sure of yourself,” I manage to say, trying to gather my scattered wits.

His laugh is dark honey. “I can smell how wet you are. No point trying to pretend.”

Heat floods my face, but before I can respond, the cabin doors slide open at the upper platform. Knox helps me to my feet, steadying me when my knees prove less than reliable. Another lodge awaits us, smaller than the first but no less impressive, its windows glowing with warm light.

Inside, a staff member appears to take my coat, and Knox guides me up a curved staircase to a restaurant that steals my breath. The entire space is encased in glass walls, offering a panoramic view of the mountains. Lights twinkle below us like fallen stars, and above… I gasp as the first ribbons of green and pink dance across the clear sky.

“Aurora,” I whisper, enchanted.

Knox’s hand is possessive at my waist. “I’d hoped we’d catch them tonight. But honestly?” He leans down, his breath hot against my ear. “Watching you is a better show.”

My toes are curling in my closed heels at the things he says.

Our table is by the window, intimate without being stuffy. A linear fireplace runs through the center of the room, flames dancing in a straight line. The whole place manages to be upscale while keeping that cozy lodge feeling, all warm woods and soft lighting, with only a handful of other diners scattered around.

“I got us a set menu,” Knox says as we settle in. “If that’s okay?”

---