Page 85 of Knot Made to Break: Part Two

The ache of wanting something so deeply, while quietly convincing yourself it would never be yours.

Now I knew what it felt like to believe in the future—to reach for it without fear of it slipping through my fingers.

Adeline’s story wasn’t over yet.

And neither was Julia’s.

Like me, they were both just getting started. Just learning to trust. Just beginning to bloom.

Each one of us just wanted to find our place, put down roots, and stretch our petals toward the sun.

And once we did—it would be nothing short of beautiful.

thirty-one

KITANIA

I wipedthe sweat from my brow, body still buzzing from the self-defense lesson Gio and Enzo had just dragged me through in the gym. My muscles ached with a deep, satisfying soreness—the kind that promised I’d be feeling it tomorrow, but also meant I was getting stronger.

I could still feel the pound of my heartbeat as we crossed into the living room. Enzo peeled off toward the kitchen for water while Gio tossed a towel over his shoulder, his eyes lingering on me with that quiet, assessing look he always gave after training.

“Not bad, Omega,” he murmured, low and a little smugly. “You’re learning fast.”

I felt the warm glow of accomplishment as Gio’s approving gaze swept over me, his earthy scent intensified by exertion.

He pressed a kiss to the top of my head, then immediately grimaced. “Sorry. I’m all sweaty.”

I couldn’t help the smirk that tugged at my lips. “I like you best when you’re all sweaty.”

His eyes darkened instantly, casual affection giving way to heated intensity. “Behave yourself.”

“What fun would that be?” I challenged, tilting my head back to meet his gaze.

Gio’s hands found my waist, steadying me against him as he lowered his head to capture my lips in a quick but searing kiss. When he pulled back, there was that devastatingly charming half-smile that never failed to make butterflies erupt in my stomach.

“Knew there was a reason I loved you,” he teased, giving my hip a gentle squeeze before stepping away. “I’m gonna grab a shower.”

I watched him head toward the stairs, admiring the play of muscles beneath his damp t-shirt. The bond between us thrummed contentedly, and I felt his satisfaction through it—both from the workout and from our banter.

Behind me, Marco’s deep voice cut through my thoughts. “So we’re agreed on Golden Dragon for dinner?”

“Hell yeah,” Tommy replied enthusiastically. “Haven’t had their Kung Pao Chicken in forever.”

I turned to find them gathering their wallets and keys from the side table. Enzo was nodding in agreement, pulling out his phone, presumably to place the order.

“Extra spring rolls this time,” I reminded them, moving closer to the group. “Last time, you guys demolished them before I even finished one.”

Marco grinned, wrapping an arm around my shoulders and pulling me into his side. The familiar scent of leather and musk enveloped me, comforting and exciting all at once. “Not our fault you eat so slow, babe.”

“Some of us like to taste our food instead of inhaling it,” I replied, poking him in the ribs.

“Don’t worry, Angel. I’m only teasing. I’ll make sure to add extra to your plate this time. My Omega will want for nothing—even spring rolls.”

I snickered, then popped up onto my toes to give him a ‘thank you’ kiss.

Tommy jingled a set of keys, his green eyes sparkling with mischief. “So, we taking the new Bugatti?”

Marco’s face shifted from relaxed to cautious in an instant. “Only if I’m driving.”

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