Page 31 of Knotting else Matters

And yep. There he was. Tall, perfectly put together in a crisp, dark suit, his sharp, dark eyes fixed on me with that faint, almost smug amusement I’d come to expect.

“Running errands?” His voice was smooth, deep, a lazy warmth beneath the cool control.

“I was. Now I’m apparently running into you.”

“I can drive you,” he offered, and I didn’t miss the way his gaze swept over me, lingering just a little longer than necessary.

“No, thanks.” I shook my head, folding the little map and tucking it into my purse. “Last thing I need is an Alpha-hole playing chauffeur and then pretending he saved the day.”

He laughed, a low, warm sound that sent an irritating thrill through me. “Alpha-hole? I’m honored. But are you sure? I’d hate for you to wander into some overpriced boutique and waste all your money on something I’ll end up tearing off you anyway.”

“Such a gentleman,” I shot back, crossing my arms. “Why don’t you spend your money on something useful? Like yellow roses for the lobby. Give this place a little life, a little elegance. Right now, it’s got a ‘luxury crypt’ vibe going on.”

Adrian’s mouth curled into a slow, lazy smile, and for a moment, I hated how good he looked. Tall, powerful, dark eyes that seemed to see right through me. And that faint, amused glint in his gaze—like he enjoyed the chaos I brought with me.

“Noted. I’ll take it under advisement.” He leaned in, just slightly, his voice dropping to a low, almost teasing murmur. “But something tells me I’d rather spend my money on you.”

“Save your cash, Alpha. I’m not a charity case.”

“Never thought you were.”

He reached into his pocket, and before I could snap back, he slipped something into my hand—smooth, cool, and metallic. His key card.

“Come see me after,” he murmured, his voice low, a rough, almost possessive warmth threading through his tone. “I’d love to tear down with my teeth whatever dress you pick.”

My heart did a wild, stupid flip in my chest, but I forced a mocking smile. “Big words, Alpha-hole. Sure you can keep up?”

“Try me.” He stepped back, that infuriating, lazy smile never fading.

I should have tossed the card back, should have snapped something sharp and dismissive, but my fingers tightened around it, and the words caught in my throat.

Adrian just smiled, gave me a little nod, and strode away, his tall, powerful figure disappearing through the marble archway leading to the elevators.

My fingers curled around the card, and I felt the heat blooming in my cheeks.Damn him. Damn that smug smile, those sharp eyes, that calm, irritating confidence.

Shoving the card into my purse, I turned, heading for the doors, determined to find that dress. And determined to forget the way his voice had wrapped around me like a promise.

CHAPTER 9

Adrian

The steady, rhythmic clank of iron weights and the low hum of the hotel gym’s air conditioning were the only sounds that kept my focus. Sweat dripped down my brow, my muscles straining beneath the barbell I lifted, every controlled movement a distraction from the chaos twisting in my mind.

I’d been here for an hour, pushing myself through one brutal set after another. Chest presses, deadlifts, a punishing series of pull-ups that left my shoulders burning. The familiar ache was a comfort—something I could control, something I could conquer.

“Still at it, huh?”

Karl’s voice cut through the silence, a warm, cheerful contrast to the low, grunting breaths of the other gym-goers. I didn’t bother looking up as I set the barbell back onto the rack, grabbing a towel to wipe the sweat from my face.

“Could say the same for you. I thought you’d be busy picking out flowers or taste-testing cakes.”

He laughed, a bright, booming sound as he grabbed a pair of dumbbells and settled beside me. “That’s Sophie’s domain. She’s the mastermind behind all of it. I just show up, smile, and try not to spill anything on my suit.”

“Smart man.”

“Exactly.” He leaned back, curling the weights with an easy, practiced rhythm. “So, you excited?”

“For what? Your wedding?” I raised an eyebrow, grabbing another set of weights. “Or the inevitable chaos that comes with shoving two hundred wolves into one room?”

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