Page 46 of Hot Knot Summer
I blink, caught off guard. “How did you?—”
“You’ve been different since we got back,” River says. “And you kept looking at her during dinner. Doesn’t take a genius to figure out she said something.”
“It wasn’t just that,” I hedge, though it was a significant factor.
“What did she say?” Atlas asks, his voice carefully neutral.
I hesitate, not wanting to create drama. But they’re watching me with such intensity that I find myself answering.
“She said you three never can hold on to anyone for long. That you... have a pattern of not committing.”
The three exchange glances, having one of those silent conversations that close-knit groups can manage without words.
“Did she happen to mention she asked River out six months ago, and he said no?” Levi asks mildly.
My eyebrows shoot up. “No.”
“Or that she then asked Levi right after that, then Atlas out three months ago and got the same answer?” River adds, crossing his arms.
“She left that part out,” I admit, feeling a twinge of sympathy for Claire. Rejection is never easy.
“She’s not wrong that we’ve had our issues with relationships,” Atlas says carefully. “But her perspective is... biased.”
“The point is,” River jumps in. “We’re not asking you to date us. We’re offering you a safe place to stay while you sort out your situation.”
“With separate rooms,” Levi adds. “Clear boundaries. And one of us would always be at the station.”
I look at each of them in turn. All watching me closely.
“I don’t really have a place to go right now,” I admit finally.
“So that’s a yes?” River asks eagerly.
“It’s an ‘I’ll try it temporarily’,” I clarify. “With conditions.”
“Name them,” Atlas says immediately.
“I need my own space. Complete privacy when I want it,” I begin, thinking rapidly. “I need to be able to leave whenever I choose. No Alpha posturing or... or territorial behavior. And I help with expenses, food, utilities, whatever.”
“Done,” Atlas agrees without hesitation. “Anything else?”
I consider for a moment. “If at any point I feel uncomfortable, I leave. No questions asked.”
“Absolutely,” Levi nods.
“And no funny business,” I add, looking directly at River.
He places a hand over his heart. “I am the very soul of propriety.”
Atlas snorts, and even Levi rolls his eyes.
“I mean it,” I insist. “This is about safety and practicality. Nothing else.”
“Of course,” Atlas assures me, though there’s something in his eyes that makes me doubt he believes it any more than I do.
“Fine,” I sigh, wondering if I’m making a huge mistake. “When do we do this?”
“Tomorrow?” River suggests eagerly. “We’re all off rotation until tomorrow night.”
