Page 59 of Knot Beneath the Mistletoe

He holds up a cookie, and I take a bite, trying to be objective even as the sugar and cinnamon melt on my tongue. There’s something different, something that makes me want more...

“Did you put ginger in these?”

“Family secret.” His smirk is almost mischievous. “Addictive, right?”

I finish the cookie in two bites, not even trying to be ladylike about it.

“I should warn you… I’m a cookie addict. This could get dangerous. I once ate an entire batch of chocolate chip cookies during a single shift at the bar.”

He laughs, the sound warming me more than any cookie. “I’ll risk it. Been baking early in the hours when I couldn’t sleep.”

“A man after my own heart. I do my best baking at three a.m.” I steal another cookie. “Coffee?”

“Already on it.” He moves to the fancy machine, and I definitely don’t watch the way his back muscles move under his shirt.

“But I need to grab my phone from the car first. Think I left it there.”

“Already handled.” He reaches across the counter and hands me my phone. “It was dying, so I plugged it in. Figured you might need it.”

My stomach drops when I see all the notifications. Messages from Ash checking I’m okay, so I quickly send back that I’m fine. One from Lily asking about the Christmas party, and suddenly Dominic’s face flashes in my mind, making guilt curl in my gut. But it’s the message from Marcus that makes me feel sick.

You think you were real clever last night. The gloves are off, cousin.

“Everything okay?”

I look up to find Knox watching me, concern etched on his face. His hands are wrapped around two coffee mugs—both, I notice, decorated with terrible mountain puns. One saysLife is peak-uliar, and the other saysDon’t take these views for granite.This man is such a dork.

I force a smile and put the phone face-down. “Yeah, just work stuff. Speaking of which, I should probably get back soon. Ash is alone at the bar...”

“I’ve got some clothes that might fit you for the drive,” he offers, but his eyes say he knows I’m lying. He sets the mugs down and moves back between my legs, hands settling on my hips. “Ruby...”

“A lift would be great,” I cut him off, not ready to deal with any of it—not Marcus’ threats, not my growing feelings for both Knox and Garrett, not the call I know I need to make between these Alphas. Instead, I steal another cookie and try not to think about how perfect this kitchen would be for stress baking at three a.m. or how easy it would be to imagine a life here with him.

His thumbs trace small circles on my hips through the robe, and I have to fight not to lean into him like a cat seeking attention.

“You know,” he says carefully, “I’m a pretty good listener. And I make excellent stress cookies.”

“I noticed.” I try for a smile. “What’s your stance on stress brownies?”

“Double chocolate, with extra chocolate chips.” He tucks a damp strand of hair behind my ear, and the gentle touch nearly breaks me.

I want to tell him everything—about Marcus, about the bar, about my Aunt Eve—but once I start, I’m not sure I’ll be able to stop. And right now, in this perfect kitchen with these perfect cookies and this perfect man, I just want to pretend for a little longer that my life isn’t a complete mess.

So, I lean forward and kiss him instead. His hands tighten on my hips, and for a moment, I let myself believe that everything might actually be okay.

I’m in so much trouble.

18

DOMINIC

The satisfying thud of my fists hitting the heavy bag echoes through the gym. Left hook, right cross, repeat. My muscles burn, but I keep going, working out the restless energy that’s been plaguing me since that night at Ruby’s bar. Since I felt her small body pressed against mine as I pulled her to safety. Since I watched her clean the blood from my split lip and wished it was her mouth instead...

Movement catches my eye as the front door to the studio opens, and everything in me goes still.

Ruby.

She’s standing in the doorway, afternoon sunlight catching her reddish-blonde hair like a halo. For a moment, I forget how to breathe. She’s wearing a long black coat, but underneath, I can see the curve-hugging lines of workout gear. Already, several of the guys have noticed her, their heads turning, eyes following.

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