Page 26 of Knot Guaranteed

“This is Tinley.” Fitz wraps his hand in hers. “I spent the month we were practicing talking about her nonstop.”

Tinley’s head swivels to face Fitz, and she looks genuinely taken aback. Apparently, those two are both oblivious.

He wants her.

She wants him.

Neither thinks the other is interested.

It’s baffling.

“Damn, no shit?” Carter glances between them, and my fists clench at my sides. I will tear his fucking head off if he says a single thing to hurt her feelings. His eyes rake over Tinley, focusing a little too long on her tits, and my concern turns to fury. Everything about Carter and Xavier pisses me off lately.

The limo comes to a stop, and I thank the universe for that clutch timing.

* * *

Tinley follows Ava to meet up with Ava’s friends as soon as we get inside. It takes everything in me to watch from a distance. I glare at anyone who dares to get too close for the next hour, but my nerves are shot.

Their entire group is dancing and drinking to celebrate Tinley’s birthday.

It’s after midnight, meaning I can’t say anything about it. She’s officially of age and legal to do as she pleases. It makes me want to punch something. I should be at her side, watching her drink up close and personal.

I also need to make sure no assholes try their luck.

I want her to have fun and enjoy her birthday.

I just need to keep her safe while that happens.

It was soincrediblythoughtful of Jack to get all five of Ava’s friends into our club performance.

Any cluster of women is going to draw attention.

“Bro, if you don’t stop glaring, your face is going to get stuck that way,” Ram says as we check out the stage where we’ll be performing our set.

“That glower is seriously impressive. Just make sure Tinsel knows it’s not directed at her.” Fitz laughs, clapping me on the back. “I’m not going to lie. It’s nice having backup to keep an eye on her.”

Backup?

I scoff.

I’m the first line of defense.

It’s the only thing my instincts can focus on. Where is my omega? Is she safe? What possible dangers might pop up?

Ways to eliminate those threats without ending up in prison for murder…

There’s no way around it.

I’m teetering on the edge of going feral.

I hate that we’ll be on stage, but I will straight-up walk off if Tinley leaves my line of sight in that skintight little black dress.

I have no real preference toward short skirts or tops that show off tits. I’ve got nothing against them, but personally, I find myself more intrigued when a little less is showing. The tension and buildup of being able to explore to find out what lies beneath the fabric really does it for me.

The exception to that is Tinley. I’m as attracted to her in the naughty little dress as I am every morning when she stumbles out in her soft pajamas.

Which means other men are too.

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