Page 39 of Knot Forever

Seth gives me a look like he knows I’m not being truthful, but he doesn’t force the issue, and I’m grateful. Instead, he changes the subject as we wander into the kitchen.

“I won’t be home tonight. I have an event at the casino.”

“At the casino?” I start to get our cups out of the cupboard, the routine feeling familiar even after only a week with them. Seth watches me follow the steps he showed me, his smile thankful as I put some coffee in front of him.

“Thanks, sweetheart. It’s something we do a few times a year. Lots of networking, talking, and beingniceto people.”

He shudders, and I laugh. Seth is one of the most charming alphas I’ve ever met. “I have no doubt you’ll be in your element.”

He gives me a puppy dog look. “Maybe, but I’ll be lonely on my own.”

I slide into a seat, blowing the froth on my own cup. “Could I come with you?”

The suggestion slips out almost unintentionally, but the more I think of it, the more I don’t mind the idea. Events like that aren’t normally my idea of a good time, but I’d enjoy myself if I was with Seth.

He grimaces. “I’d love that, sweetheart. But some of the characters… they’re not the nicest.”

And now I’m starting to worry. He must see it in my face, because he sighs. “I’d love you to come with me. But stay close to me. No wandering off, okay?”

My grin is small. “If I do, will you punish me?”

Seth gets out of his chair, stalking around the table as I swivel on my seat to face him. He catches my cheeks between his hands. “I’ll punish you any time you want, sweetheart. That was the most exciting night of my life.”

My laugh is breathless. “Charmer.”

His lips meet mine softly, teasing the seam of my mouth until I open for him. Seth groans into my mouth, his hand sliding into the small of my back and holding me against him as he tastes me leisurely, taking his time until I’m squirming against him.

He pulls back, resting our foreheads together. “I feel very charmed,” he murmurs, and mock-groans when I hit his shoulder playfully. He straightens.

“It’s black-tie this evening. Have you got a dress?”

I mentally work through the clothes my mother sent before I nod solemnly. “I do. It has a lot of ruffles on it, but it should work.”

Seth’s eyes flare in horror as he tries to control his expression. “Ah. Ruffles. Lovely.”

My snicker gives me away, and he pulls me into him, playfully biting at my neck until I squeal. “No ruffles,” he growls.

“No!” I gasp out. “No ruffles.”

“If I see asingleruffle, you will be getting another punishment.”

Oooh.

“I take it back. Lots of ruffles.”

Seth barks a laugh. “Don’t tempt me, sweetheart. I don’t need any encouragement where you’re concerned.”

“Isn’t that the truth.” At the dry tone, Seth and I both whip around. Asher is leaning in the doorway, but his face is wreathed in amusement. “Why are we arguing about ruffles? Although I’ll admit that the auction dress was hideous.”

I hide my face in my hands. I willneverlive that dress down.

Seth clears his throat. “Nova is accompanying me to the casino tonight.”

Asher stiffens, the amusement sliding from his face. “No, she is not.”

Oh. My head spins between them, and I push down the tiny bit of hurt at Asher’s vehemence, like I’m not good enough to be seen with them.

“I promise I won’t wear any ruffles.” My joke falls flat, my voice a touch wobbly in the tension between them, but Asher softens.

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