Page 42 of Knot Forever

Finally, I toss the cards down with a sigh. “I could stay here all night, but I do have to go down there and mingle. Care to join me for a stroll, sweetheart?”

Nova’s face is flushed, her cheeks a deep rose from the champagne as she gets up. “Yes, please.”

Asher catches my arm as Nova fiddles with her dress. “Be careful down there.”

I tip my head in acknowledgement, before Nova and I make our way downstairs. An elevator takes us down to the main floor, opening up in the heart of the action. I hesitate when Nova moves to step out, and she glances back at me. “What’s wrong?”

Letting out a breath, I shrug “Nothing. Just… I might need to be a little firm with some of these people, Nova. I don’t want you to think less of me for it.”

Her face gentles with understanding as her hand tightens on my arm. “I know who you are, Seth King. Don’t worry about me.”

I have to take her at her word as we stroll into the crowd. We’re accosted in seconds, various acquaintances sidling up to us, desperate for a sniff of attention as they praise the casino, the drinks, the omega on my arm.

Nova accepts the compliments graciously, always turning to me to assess my face before she responds. She handles the various personalities perfectly, smiling vacuously for some, engaging in witty repertoire with others.

For the first time, I feel on the back foot in my own casino.

“You’re a professional, Miss Chevnik,” I accuse her gently, squeezing her hand as we move away from another group. She snorts dismissively.

“I was well trained,” she says loftily. “My mother’s been drilling etiquette into me since I was four.”

“I bet you were adorable.” I lead her around a lavish sculpture. The image of a four-year-old little girl with wide blue eyes and midnight hair makes my heart melt, stealing my breath as I stop short.

Nova has to nudge me to get my attention. “I lost you for a second there. What are you thinking about?”

Turning, I cup her cheek. “I was wondering if our daughter would look like you. God, I hope so.”

Her lips part in shock, her eyes widening. “Seth.”

“I don’t mean right now,” I say carefully, “but we’re playing for keeps, Nova. Surely you know that by now.”

She stumbles a little, and I hold her more tightly, nudging us towards the edges of the busy room. “But we haven’t talked about it.”

“Some things are obvious, sweetheart.” My hand slips to her lower back as I nod to someone in the crowd, my attention sliding back to her as she faces me. “But in case you need it spelled out, I’m putting a mating mark right here during your next heat.”

A strangled whimper slips from her lips as I cup her neck possessively, my thumb stroking over her pulse.

“You’ll look glorious with our mating marks on you, Nova Chevnik.” My voice deepens as a tendril of her perfume rises around us. Fuck, her scent is strong tonight.

In fact, it’s a littletoostrong.

I pause, leaning in to take a deep sniff of her neck. “Nova? Are you—”

Her whine ripples out, a pure, needy sound that hits like a sledgehammer. I yank my head back, spying her dilated pupils, the way her breathing has changed.

As I watch her, she turns glazed eyes to me. “Seth.”

Even her voice has deepened, a husky siren call. Fucking hell. She’s heat spiking in the middle of the casino. Thank fuck we’re on the edges, because if we were in the middle of the room right now, I’d be spilling blood to get her out.

As it is, she lolls in my arms when I lift her, her face nuzzling into my chest as she releases a throaty groan. “Seth. My heat.”

“I know, baby.” I make for a door ahead of us, one of the many we set aside for our patrons to use. Thankfully it’s empty, and I push the door shut with my foot as I glance around.

Deep, comfortable couches line the room, all of them designed to support additional activities. Which is exactly what I need them for.

Nova moans as I set her down, her eyes fluttering. “Seth.”

Her hand grabs at her dress, threatening to tear the silky material. I can smell her slick already, the deep, sweet scent of almonds that’s purely Nova. I push her hands away, carefully rolling up the silk so she doesn’t ruin her dress. Her thin, cream panties are already soaking wet, the damp spreading even as I caress it with my thumb.

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