Page 127 of Knot That Serious

“I wondered if we would. So I guess you don’t need a tour, then. Want a drink?”

“Water, please,” she requested, walking over to the couch and brushing her hand over the cushions. It was soft, and she could easily see the two of them cuddled up for a movie night.

On another fake date, she reminded herself.

Raj returned with her water and then showed her the guest bedroom—which, in her apartment, was actually Jack’s—and then took her to the room that mirrored her own.

It was decorated in soft blues and dark reds. Cozy, romantic. They took turns freshening up in the bathroom, and then Eli was sliding beneath Raj’s sheets in one of his shirts.

His spicy scent was stronger here, and she buried her nose in the pillows before he returned.

Something in her eased, and she melted into the bed to wait.

The faucet in the bathroom shut off, and then the door opened. Light sliced across the floor in a soft yellow glow, and it… stayed like that.

Eli pushed a hand beneath her to lean up. “Everything okay?”

Raj was standing in the doorway, paused as he stared at the bed. Her words seemed to kick-start him, and he hummed before flicking the light off. His footsteps padded across the floor before the bed dipped.

“I think I’m a very lucky alpha, to have you in my bed.”

Eli’s breath caught.

“If you ask me, Jack is an idiot for not facing his feelings, for not doing everything in his power to keep you.”

Eli swallowed sharply.

“And I’m glad you’re letting me be part of the journey,” he said, climbing into the bed. He sat against the headboard, and even though the room was gently lit with the soft nightlight from the bathroom, his stare was still heavy. It made her breath go a little short as he gazed at her.

He held his hand out and curled his fingers in a “come here” motion, and Eli was scooting across the bed.

Raj pulled her into his lap, back against his chest. He was warm against her back, and she laid her head against his shoulder, breathing out slowly, relaxing into him.

Raj’s chest expanded, pressing against her as he drew in a breath. It skated across her throat, sending shivers over her body as he lowered his head to brush his lips over her skin.

“Is this okay?” he asked, voice like velvet in her ears.

She nodded, placing a hand on each of his knees, sliding them down the tops of his thighs on either side of her as she melted against him. He was in boxers and a plain shirt, cozy and comfortable and totally appropriate for bedtime.

Eli’s thoughts were not appropriate.

“Yeah,” she breathed.

He kissed the side of her neck and Eli tilted her head to give him more room.

“They’re gonna think we fucked,” Eli said softly.

Raj paused, and she felt him shrug where she was pressed against him. “Possibly.”

“Should we give them something to talk about?” she asked, biting her lip right after, suddenly glad that he couldn’t see her face.

“I don’t see why not,” he said, lips dragging against her shoulder.

His shirt, huge on her petite frame, was sliding off her shoulder at his touch. He rewarded the bared skin with another kiss.

Eli stroked her hands up his thighs, thinking about how unfair it was that he was the only one getting to play.

A gasp was pulled from her lips as he mouthed at her neck, sucking softly. “Are you gonna leave a mark?” she asked.

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