Page 73 of Knotted

Or maybe it’s easier for her to avoid the risk of disappointment when our fairy dust romance inevitably ends.

By this point, with the scent of apple blossom shampoo teasing my nose, I don’t know, and I don’t care. I tilt her chin up, catching her uncertain gaze in mine, needling through the small crack in those walls she’s built.

“No, Jules. That’s for whatever the hell you want.” I catch Taylor out of the corner of my eye and smirk. “Clear your calendar. After Taylor’s done parading me around like a prized show dog, we’re going shopping.”

“First, I don’t have a calendar. Only executives and Tiger Mom’s have calendars. And second, you don’t have to do that.”

“Yes, I do. You’re my wife.”

The words slip out so naturally, it catches both of us off guard. The air between us shifts, heavy with the beating ofour hearts and silent confessions, making the moment feel almost too much.

Too real.

Jules blinks, a flicker of something unreadable passing through her eyes. Then, she quickly brushes it off, as if nothing was said at all.

“Ready?” Taylor waves the camera at us, snapping us back to the task at hand.

I reach to straighten my tie, but Jules’s soft fingers land on mine, stopping me in my tracks. The warmth of her touch lingers as she takes a good, long look at me.

“Don’t,” she says, her voice steady, flames playing in her eyes. “It’s perfect. This is exactly how you should look.”

“How’s that?” I ask.

“Like the guy next door. But, undone.”

A slow grin spreads across my face as I lean in, just enough to tease the distance between us. “Just fucked, it is.”

CHAPTER 31

Jules

“I need something that heats up gradually but lasts all night,” I say, my voice a soft, teasing whisper, laced with just enough allure to make him pause.

Brian looks at me, arching a brow. “All night? You sure you’re ready for that?”

I let out a playful sigh, meeting his gaze with a hint of mischief. “Oh, I’m ready. Mama’s got needs.”

His breath catches, the mask of control slipping just enough to reveal a flicker of interest as he leans in closer. “I’m pretty sure we’ve got something that can meet your… demands.”

I nod slowly, letting a coy smile tug at my lips as his gaze locks on to mine. “And it’s got to be,” I draw out the words, savoring every second, “big.”

“Big?” He rubs his chin, pretending to consider it. “How big?”

I hold my hands aboutyayfar apart, watching his eyes widen, curiosity piqued.

“You think you can handle that, Ms. Spenser?”

“I believe you mean Mrs. Bishop, and I can definitely handle it,” I purr. “As long as it’s packed with power, responds to every touch, and, no matter how intense things get, just won’t quit.”

My fingers linger on a sparkly one—the latest model, an upgrade of the last one I had, except this one comes with a blazing-fast processor, a stunning 4K display, and an ultra-responsive touchpad.

Brian’s voice growls low against my ear. “Would the two of you like a room?”

I trace the sleek lines, already imagining the damage I could do with this baby, banging out my Pulitzer-worthy yet completely imaginary blog. “Put me in a room with this powerhouse, and I’ll be there all night.”

Just then, the salesman appears, all eager and chipper. “That’s an excellent choice. The Quantum Elite Pro just launched.”

My fingers pull back, my love for the machine warring with a good, strong dose of practicality. “How much is it?” I ask.

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