Page 64 of Knot Going Down
There’s a quivering sensation low in my belly, and the tight ring of muscles we’re discussing tenses as I wonder what his knot would feel like. I’m about to answer his question, when footsteps sound on the stairs. Knox releases me slowly, hands sliding down my arms, leaving a trail of heat.
Gunner bolts forward, nails scrabbling on the floor as he heads toward the stairs.
“No, no, no—Gunner,stay!” I lunge after him, catching him by the collar just before he launches himself full-speed into silk and satin.
He whines, tail wagging frantically as our girls descend.
“You will ruin their dresses,” I murmur, holding him gently but firmly by his ruff. “They know you love them.”
Still, he dances on his paws beside me, tail thudding hard enough to shake his whole back end.
Our girls float down the stairs like a dream.
Ava in red is a revelation.
The gown hugs her like it was stitched to memorize the shape of her. Deep crimson silk catches the light like flame, slipping over her curves with effortless precision. The neckline is daring, a structured plunge that draws my gaze without asking permission, while a high slit up one thigh offers a fleeting, wicked glimpse of bare skin with every step she takes. The back dips low, revealing the elegant line of her spine, framed by delicate crisscrossed straps that gleam against her skin.
She wears it like armor and invitation all at once. Dangerous. Breathtaking. Utterly untouchable. What I wouldn’t give to be the exception.
Emily’s gown is a deep, midnight blue of softly clinging silk and a structured bodice that does wonders for her breasts beneath a sweetheart neckline. The thin shoulder straps rest delicately against her skin. The dress moves when she does, fluid and effortless, brushing her ankles to reveal strappy heels the color of champagne. At her back, the dress dips into a low V deep enough to hint at the dimples above her glorious ass.
Together, the two women look unforgettable. They look devastating, like they were made to be unwrapped slowly. Maybe tonight. I’ll unwrap each of them one at a time before undressing Declan. He looked so devastating in his tux when he left earlier.
And if we’re all together, Knox won’t be content to stay away. Maybe I’ll leave him in just that tie I knotted so perfectly.
But I’m getting ahead of myself.
First, I have to convince them all we’re meant to be a pack. This little group may be perfect for each other, but it’s clear they need a little push in the right direction.
I’m happy to play Cupid.
31
KNOX
I’m struck speechless staring at Emily and Ava. Lucas crosses the room to kiss Emily’s cheek, but I can’t move. I can only stare. They look incredible, but it’s not just the dresses or the fancy hair and make-up. It’s the smiles on their faces. Genuine smiles. It’s the way Emily’s hand reached for Ava’s as they walked down together.
“You look stunning,” Lucas says to Emily before giving Ava the same appreciative look. He takes Ava’s hand and twirls her around. “As do you. Absolutely gorgeous.”
I clear my throat. “You both look incredible.” My voice comes out throaty and rough, my gaze lingering a beat too long as it rakes over the beauties before us.
Emily blushes a scarlet hue that makes the freckles on her cheeks stand out. I finally find my footing and take her hand, kissing the top of it like a gentleman in an old fashioned movie. “Is this how good you looked at prom?”
She gives me an unamused look. “You’d know if you had shown up.”
“Ooooh, I sense a story.” Ava glances between us, waiting for an explanation. “Do tell.”
“Um,” Emily looks away from me, “he stood me up.” The simple words send a pang straight to my heart. “No call. No text. I don’t…I don’t know what happened.” She fiddles with the delicate strap of her dress as if straightening her armor against the old hurt.
This was the closure she wanted when she came to me that first night out on the balcony. And I didn’t give it to her. I told her the truth, but not the specifics.
“That dress was emerald.” Her words fall softer. “To match his tie.”
“And the corsage I got you was white,” I add, my gaze only on Emily. I’ve owed her this explanation for a long time, but thinking about that night hurts. I look away from her, taking in Lucas and Ava. Lucas is frowning with a hand to his chest like he’s feeling Emily’s pain right along with her. Ava glares like she wants to knock my teeth in. I don’t blame her.
“I wanted to come.” The words stick in my throat. “You have to know that. I was dying to see you in your dress. To be with you. But Ellis showed up.”
Emily’s brother didn’t yell. Didn’t shove. Just got in my face with that alpha older brother stillness that hit harder than shouting ever could.
