Page 101 of Knot your Good Girl

Maybe secretly, I never ever wanted to let her go.

I kept my promise to Ivy. After Paris, I took her to the Algarve in Portugal and to Barcelona in Spain. I know she would have chuckled at the people who boldly or foolishly accepted to be chased by the bulls. As a lover of all creatures, she would have yearned for the bull’s horn to penetrate their asses.

In Germany, I toasted her as I drank from a beer mug in the raucous beer garden.

But still, I can’t shake off that this is not what I need inmylife. I realized since I’ve been traveling that I’ve done everything for Ivy for the three years since she died, and I feel I need a change in myself.

I’m ready for Holly to live again.

Mom notified me that the job offer at the Los Angeles Raiders was nearing its expiration. And since I’ve come to terms with the fact that I cannot return to New York, I know this job is what I need.

For that reason, now that I’m in London, I’ve already decided it’s my final overseas destination. It’s time to bid farewell.

It was only when I strolled along the banks of the River Thames that I realized it was the right place, as I recognized the places we visited during our last trip to London in our early teens.

Remembering Ivy’s fondness for the ambiance of the area, I’ve chosen it as the ideal spot to release her ashes.

As I travel on a boat on this icy day on the River Thames in London, I can hear the gentle lapping of the water against the hull. And I know... Ivy’s journey is about to end.

My overseas adventure is too.

It could be the job offer, or perhaps it’s the unsettling memories of being followed by packs of alphas in Italy and Switzerland. Or maybe it’s the lingering discomfort from being propositioned by a wealthy alpha in Monaco to join him in a sex club.

I think I forgot I was an omega for some time. The suppressants I take have clouded my understanding of the inherent danger faced by a lone omega. I’ve been disguising myself as a typical girl from California, but I’m anything but ordinary.

And it doesn’t help that Mom and Dad are frantic with worry. They’ve promised me the world to go home. Dad has made arrangements for me to fly back to New York tomorrow, and he will be there to greet me and bring me home.

With tears welling up in my eyes, I tightly grip the small box hanging from the chain around my neck. “I was going to scatter you off the Eiffel Tower, but I didn’t want you getting in anyone’s eyes... or mouths, although I’m sure you’d have liked that.” I sniffle back a laugh. “It also turns out to be illegal.”

As I unscrew the box from the chain, I feel its weight in my hands while stealing a glance at the sprawling London cityscape ahead.

As I raise the box to my mouth, I can taste the saltiness of my tears before I kiss my sister one last time.

“You were never meant to be in a box, Ivy. You were too free for that. This was your dream and I want you to have it.” I hiccup back a sob. “I’m sorry I can’t travel with you anymore, but it’s time for me to go home and start to livemylife.”

Chapter 31

Aiden

Two Months Later

Theofficebuzzeswiththe usual pre-weekend excitement. But as the boss of the New York Bears, I have a stack of papers and decisions that need my attention.

The first task on my agenda is to analyze the budget proposals for the upcoming games, and consider the financial implications for both myself and the team.

There’s a tap on my office door. As it opens, I glance ahead at my marketing manager, Jenny as she walks in with a folder in her hands.

She places the folder on my desk and extends her hand towards me, holding out a crisp sheet of paper. “These are the details of the trip to Los Angeles this weekend. I’ve prepared two sets of costing. One using your private jet, which will get the team there and back the same day.”

She stares at me, waiting. I’ve agreed to the use of my jet when I’m attending away games. I wasn’t planning to go to LA.

“And the other option is a commercial flight and a hotel room after the game.”

Opening the file, I place the cost comparisons on the side as I skim through the flight times and potential hotels, eager to find the perfect itinerary. My finger gracefully glides across the surface of the top sheet, detecting a faint resistance as I push it aside.

And there, glaring directly in front of me, is the very thing I have been searching for. Along with the names of the Los Angeles Raiders team, their coaches, management staff and various other contact details is another name. The most important one of all… Holly Carter, Marketing Executive.

It has to be her.

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