Page 67 of Knot Forever

It smells like him. Slightly spicy, coffee and richness.

I glance behind me as my fingers twitch. Surely they won’t notice if I just… borrow a few.

A few turns into several, and before I know it, I’ve created a whole new lining for my nest made out of their clothing. As I look at them, I feel a little more settled, but I still don’t feel great.

Blinking, I lift a hand to my cheeks. They feel like they’re on fire.

After drinking my body’s worth of water, I check the clock, and my anxiety spikes as I realize what time it is. We’re not going to make it unless we leave soon.

But when I stop outside Seth’s office, he’s on the phone, his voice raised in frustration as he argues with the person on the other side. He sounds busy, and I don’t want to disturb him.

Asher is in the office today and he’s taken Marcus with him to work on some accounts.

I pull out my phone. They won’t mind if I get a car service. I mean, theymight, but they’ll understand. Besides, there’s been no sign of Adam or Julian since the night at the casino, and I have my majority now.

I scribble a hasty note, leaving it on the counter and running out to the car when it arrives. My fingers tap restlessly as we head towards the city, the sweaty scent of the car making nausea churn in my stomach as I push the window down.

I’m so hot.

I get to the store a few minutes before they close, beaming when they take the time to engrave the kalinda for Marcus. I’m grinning as I leave, the instrument and card packed securely inside a glossy black bag. I just hope he likes it.

Booking my collection with the car service, I head towards the main road to be picked up as a cab pulls up next to me.

“No, thank you,” I call politely when the door opens. “I already have a car.”

“Get in, Nova girl.”

My skin turns to ice in a split second, my terror scenting the air as I stare at Julian’s face. “You – you need to leave, Julian.”

He grins at me smugly, despite his unkempt appearance. “I don’t think so. We’re calling in our debt, Nova. Time to collect.”

The back door starts to open and I bolt, tearing down the street as I hear pounding footsteps behind me.

“Where’re your protectors now, Nova?” A voice calls.Adam.

I scrabble for my phone, my fingers flying as I run, but it slips from my hand as something hits me hard from behind. My face bounces off the gravel and I groan weakly as the taste of blood fills my mouth.

“There we go.” Cold hands pick me up, and I whimper, twisting away as Marcus’s gift falls out of my hand. “Don’t worry. We’re taking you home, Nova girl. Back where you belong.”

Chapter thirty – Asher

MarcusandIarepacking up when my phone buzzes.

Seth sounds frazzled when I pick up. “Can you get home in the next half hour? Nova needs to get somewhere by six, and I want to take her, but I’m tied up here.”

“We’re just leaving. We’ll be there in twenty.”

As I end the call, my phone goes off again in my hand. Unknown number.

Frowning, I open the message.

I spy, with my little eye.

Something beginning with mine.

Checkmate, asshole.

Seth’s name flashes up again, but I silence it, my finger moving to download the image attachment.

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