Page 6 of Hot Knot Summer
Atlas sets his coffee down and, without asking permission, places his large hand over mine on the armrest.
“Focus on my voice,” he says quietly. “Tell me about the fifth book. What’s giving you trouble?”
I shoot him a glare, knowing exactly what he’s doing, distracting me from my fear, but I’m desperate enough to play along.
“My editor wants more romance,” I say through gritted teeth as the plane shudders again. “But I don’t feel like writing about love when it’s all a lie, anyway.”
His eyebrows rise slightly. “All of it?”
“The magical connection, the perfect understanding, the happily ever after,” I list, my voice bitter even to my own ears. “It’s all fantasy and not the good kind.”
“Sounds like someone did a number on you,” he observes, his thumb absently stroking the back of my hand, sending warmth spiraling up my arm.
“Someone always does,” I reply, trying to ignore how comforting his touch is. “Alphas are great at promising the world, then taking everything.”
Instead of defending his designation as most Alphas would, Atlas nods thoughtfully. “There are certainly enough bad examples to justify your cynicism. But dismissing an entire designation based onone person’s actions seems a bit...” he pauses, searching for the word.
“Rational?” I supply. “Self-protective? Completely justified?”
His lips twitch. “I was going to saylimiting.”
“Let me guess… you’re not like other Alphas, right? You’re one of the good ones?”
To my surprise, he laughs. “I wouldn’t presume to classify myself. I just think people are individuals first, designations second.”
“That’s exactly what a privileged Alpha would say,” I point out.
“Probably,” he concedes with a good-natured shrug. “But it doesn’t make it less true.”
I’m suddenly aware that the plane has stabilized, the turbulence passing while I was distracted by our conversation. Atlas’s hand still covers mine, large, warm, and far too comforting. I pull away, tucking my hands into my lap.
“Thank you,” I say stiffly. “For the distraction.”
A slow smile spreads across his face, transforming those serious features again. “Anytime, Emma.”
“Listen,” I say, more sharply than intended. “I’m not... I’m not looking for anything, okay? I’m just trying to get through this flight and this vacation without any more complications. So maybe we could just...” I gesture vaguely between us. “Not.”
Atlas studies me for a long moment, his expression thoughtful rather than offended. “Not what, exactly?”
“Not... this.” I wave my hand again, accidentallyknocking over my half-empty water bottle. I lunge to catch it, somehow managing to bash my elbow against the armrest in the process. Perfect. Real smooth. I right the bottle with as much dignity as I can muster while my funny bone screams in protest.
“The whole Alpha-Omega chemistry thing,” I continue, rubbing my elbow. “The scent thing. The... whatever this is. I’m not interested.”
His mouth curves into a smile that makes my stomach flip traitorously. “Are you sure about that?” he asks, his voice dropping a register. “Because your scent tells a different story.”
Heat floods my face. “That’s… that’s biological. It doesn’t mean anything.”
“If you say so.” His tone is light, teasing, but there’s something in his eyes, a knowing look that makes me want to simultaneously slap him and drag him into the tiny airplane bathroom for entirely different reasons.
“I do say so,” I insist, leaning against the window. “Trust me, you’re doing yourself a favor. I’m pretty sure I’m cursed when it comes to...” I trail off, suddenly aware I’m veering into overshare territory. “Let’s just say my track record isn’t great. So, really, this is for your benefit.”
His expression softens, curiosity replacing the teasing light in his eyes. “A curse, huh?”
The simple question catches me off guard. Once again, he’s zigged where I expected him to zag, showing genuine interest rather than pressing his advantage.
“We can just be two strangers sharing a row, if that’s what you need,” he offers, and this time there’s no hidden challenge or flirtation in his tone.
The kindness in his voice makes my eyes sting traitorously. I blink rapidly and turn back to the window. “Thank you.”
