Page 35 of Knot Like Other Girls

She sends me a few more texts, but I'm momentarily distracted by the sound of footsteps approaching. I quickly lock my phone, shoving it under my pillow just as Savva and Cole enter the living room.

"Good evening, Miss Bella," Savva says, his voice low and smooth. His sharp green eyes flick to my pillow. "I hope we're not disturbing you."

I shake my head, trying to ignore the way my pulse quickens at his presence. "No, not at all. I was just... getting ready for bed."

Cole says nothing as he takes up position near the windows, leaning against the wall at an angle that keeps me from seeing his scarred side. His posture is rigid and he seems to be doing everything he can to avoid looking at me, or even acknowledging me.

When he catches me watching him, I offer him a soft smile. His throat bobs and his jaw clenches as he focuses all his attention on staring out the window.

Yeah. He hates me.

"Please, don't let us keep you up," Savva continues, settling into an armchair with a grace that seems at odds with his imposing frame. He crosses his legs and pulls a well-used Sudoku book that's seen better days from the inside of his maroon jacket. "We'll try to be as unobtrusive as possible."

"No, it's fine," I assure him, more hoarsely than I intend. The air feels charged for some reason. Like everything between the three of us is tense. I want to say something, anything, to break the awkward silence, but the words are stuck in my throat.

Instead, I find myself watching Cole out of the corner of my eye. He's standing perfectly still, his profile illuminated by the city lights streaming through the window. There's something tragic about him, I think. Like a warrior from some ancient myth.

I clear my throat softly. "Um, Cole?" His head turns slightly, just enough to show he's listening. "Would you like to sit down? There's plenty of room."

He doesn't move, doesn't even look at me. "I'm fine where I am," he says, his voice low and gravelly.

"Oh. Okay." I fidget with the edge of my blanket, feeling foolish. "I just thought... I mean, you'll be here all night, right? It might be more comfortable?—"

"I said I'm fine." The words come out harsher than I think he intended, because he winces slightly. "But... thank you," he adds, softer this time.

I nod, trying not to let the rejection sting. He's just doing his job, I remind myself. They all are. It doesn't matter that something deep inside me is crying out for connection to someone other than Braxley. Even these alphas.

They're not here to be my friends.

But still, I can't help but want to try again. There's something about Cole that draws me in, makes me want to break through that icy exterior.

"I like your hair," I say, immediately regretting the words. God, could I sound any more like an awkward teenager?

Cole's head whips around, his eyes wide with surprise. When Savva stifles a chuckle, his eyes narrow and he curls his lip at Savva. Actually, maybe that was unintentional—his scars do pull up at that side of his mouth, exposing his canine tooth and a premolar in a permanent snarl. But whatever just flashed across his face is quickly replaced by that careful blankness.

He says nothing as he turns back to the window, effectively ending the conversation.

I sink further into the couch, mortification burning hot in my cheeks. Smooth, Bella. Real smooth.

Savva clears his throat delicately. "Perhaps we should all try to get some rest," he suggests. "It's been a long day."

I nod gratefully, seizing the excuse to hide under my blankets. "Right. Of course. Goodnight, then."

"Goodnight, Miss Bella," Savva replies softly. "Sleep well."

I curl up on my side, facing the back of the couch so they can't see my face. My phone buzzes again, and I pull it out, angling the screen away from the alphas.

["Helloooooo? Earth to Bella! Don't leave me hanging! I need more details about these hunky bodyguards!"]

I smile despite myself, Skye's enthusiasm infectious even through text.

["Sorry, two of them just came in to take the night shift.]

[OMG, which two? I'm team Savva.]

I bite my lip, trying not to laugh. ["How did you guess?"]

["I have a sixth sense for these things. It's my superpower. Do you have a picture of him? Does he live up to his name? WHAT A NAME.]

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