Page 38 of Knot Your Sunshine
"She said yes," I murmur, still staring at where she disappeared. "Or at least, she didn't say no."
Noa claps me on the shoulder, grinning wider than I've seen in months. "Josh?"
"Yeah?"
"Let's make sure she gets the same quality scent blockers we've been using."
I wouldn't have it any other way.
Chapter fifteen
Mia
Elena lounges on their suite's private terrace, one leg draped over the armrest of a wicker chair, a pink drink sweating condensation onto a glass side table. The terrace overlooks the resort's gardens, where peacocks strut between bird-of-paradise plants.
"Where is everyone?" I collapse into the chair opposite her, the cushions warm from the sun against my back.
"James and Dorian are probably still at the local Beaumont patisserie that supplies the resort." Elena swirls her pink drink, ice clinking against the glass. "Something about adding more local flavors to the pastries here. Plus, you know how Dorian gets about quality control."
"And Cole?"
"Probably downstairs demolishing the afternoon buffet." Her lips curve into a soft smile. "That man can eat his weight in prime rib and still have room for dessert. It's honestly impressive."
My laugh comes out shaky, and I realize my hands have a faint tremor. The adrenaline from my meeting with the alphas atthe marina overlook is finally draining away, leaving me feeling wrung out.
"So tell me everything." Elena sets down her drink with a soft clink, leaning forward. "What happened after you paged them?"
"I met them at the marina overlook. And... I forgave them."
Her face lights up, eyebrows shooting toward her hairline. "Really? Just like that?"
"Not just like that. I set conditions." I pull my legs up onto the chair, wrapping my arms around my knees. "First, they need to make a substantial financial investment in my franchise concept, enough to give it a genuine shot at success. And I want the help of an expert, not just their money."
"And they agreed?"
"Yes, they said they'll fund everything and they already have a franchise consultant on standby. Can you believe that?" I shake my head, still processing.
Elena nods slowly, absorbing this. "What else?"
"Second, we take things slow. With scent blockers." My cheeks burn as I replay how themnotusing any turned me feral. "Half doses, so we can actually think straight around each other, yet leave some room for nature to do its thing."
"Smart," Elena says with a knowing smile. "Very smart. And the third?"
"I want a contract."
"A contract?" Her eyebrows climb higher.
"For everything. The business partnership, the romantic boundaries, all of it." I rest my chin on my knees. "It's the only way I'll feel safe moving forward. Clear expectations and boundaries. Is that weird?"
"Not weird at all. Brilliant, actually." Elena taps her chin thoughtfully. "You'll need a good lawyer though."
"Yeah, I was thinking about that—"
"Don't worry about it." She waves her hand with the casual confidence of someone whose connections could probably get the Pope on speed dial. "Dorian knows everyone. Legal, business, politics, you name it. I'll get you a name by tonight."
A knot in my chest I didn't realize was there loosens. "Really?"
"Of course." She leans forward, her expression softening. "And Mia? I'm proud of you."
