Page 89 of Hot Knot Summer
“Careful,” River murmurs, his arms wrappingsecurely around my waist as he guides us onto our sides, still joined intimately by his knot. “There we go. Easy does it.”
We lie spoon-fashion, his chest pressed to my back, his arm draped protectively over my waist. His breath gradually slows against my neck, though occasionally, his cock still pulses inside me, smaller aftershocks of his release that make me shiver with residual pleasure.
“You okay?” he asks softly, pressing a gentle kiss to my shoulder.
“Mmm,” I manage, too boneless and sated to form actual words, but that was exactly what I craved.
He chuckles, the sound vibrating through his chest against my back. “I’ll take that as a yes.” His hand strokes idly up and down my side, soothing rather than sexual now.
“You’re absolutely stunning,” he murmurs against my shoulder, lips brushing sensitive skin. “Not just your body, though God knows that’s perfection, but everything about you. The way your eyes light up when you’re excited about something. The little crease between your eyebrows when you’re concentrating. How fiercely you protect your independence even when you’re scared.”
The unexpected tenderness catches me off guard, making my throat tight with emotion.
“I love how you’re not afraid to sass Atlas, even though he’s twice your size,” River continues, his voice a gentle rumble against my back. “And how you match Levi in all those verbal sparring matches. And howyou laugh at my stupid jokes, even the really bad ones.”
Each word sinks into me, warming places inside that have nothing to do with physical pleasure. His knot keeps us connected, but it’s these soft confessions in the dark that feel more intimate somehow.
“You don’t have to say all that,” I murmur, strangely shy now that the initial urgency has passed.
“I know,” he says simply. “I want to. I’ve been thinking about it for days.”
We fall silent for a while, our breathing gradually slowing.
“Let me hold you while you sleep.” He tightens his arm around my waist. “I’ll keep the nightmares away.”
The offer touches me more deeply than it should, this simple bit of care and protection. “I would love that,” I whisper, already drifting toward sleep, warm and safe in his embrace.
“Sweet dreams, my sugar cube,” he murmurs, pressing one last kiss to the nape of my neck.
As consciousness slips away, I realize with distant alarm that my heat hasn’t broken—it’s merely receded temporarily. This respite won’t last; the fever will return, stronger than before.
But wrapped in River’s arms, his heartbeat steady against my back, I can’t bring myself to worry about tomorrow, knowing it may not happen for another day or two, seeing how normal I feel once more.
16
EMMA
Sunlight warms my face. I blink awake slowly, momentarily disoriented by the room around me. This isn’t my nest-bed. Memories of last night crash over me like a wave.
River. His hands. His mouth. His knot.
I groan, burying my face in his pillow. What have I done? I don’t feel guilty, but scared I’ve let myself trust and fall for these Alphas’ charms.
The bed beside me is empty, the sheets cool to the touch. I’m alone, but evidence of last night’s activities surrounds me, rumpled sheets, a lingering scent of sex in the air, the pleasant soreness between my thighs.
My clothes from yesterday lie scattered across the floor where River tossed them. I gather them up, wincing slightly at the tenderness between my legs as I dress. Somehow, the tank top and shorts feel inadequate to cover me.
Once dressed, I head to my room to retrieve myphone. The cabin is silent around me, no sounds of life coming from the kitchen or living room. I check my notifications, and there’s nothing from the guys, but there’s an email from my editor about the upcoming deadline. I push those thoughts aside; I can’t deal with work right now.
Back in the main living area, I search for signs of the Alphas. A note on the table, held in place by a saltshaker, catches my eye.
Sugar cube,
Had to run. Urgent call came in. Killed me to leave you sleeping in my bed looking so breathtakingly beautiful, like some fantasy come to life. Last night was more than incredible; it was transformative. The way you came apart in my arms, the sounds you made, the feel of you around me... I’m getting distracted just writing this. There are fresh pancakes staying warm in the oven. Help yourself to anything else you find. Or just wait for me, and I’ll give you everything you need.
Counting the minutes until I can hold you again,
River
