Page 60 of Hard Knot

"You're a blunt one, aren't you, Abercrombie?" Felix muses, sounding more impressed than disapproving.

I arch an eyebrow at him.

"Was I supposed to be submissive and girly? Pretend this woman didn't waltz in here and position herself like some sort of dominance display?"

A laugh bubbles up from my chest as I push away from the doorway.

Each step I take is deliberately measured, my hips swaying with the kind of practiced grace that comes from years of dance training. My heels click against the hardwood floors in a rhythm that demands attention.

I feel Carter’s and Felix’s gazes on me, watching my every step like hawks. That’s what I wish to attract. To steal theattention of the room, not because I want to, but because I can with confidence.

You want to play at being feminine and commanding? Honey, I've trained in the art of movement since before you bought those curves.

I approach Holmes's desk with purposeful strides, channeling every lesson in poise and etiquette I learned before I became the academy's outcast. Without hesitation, I prop myself on the edge of his desk, then spin around in one fluid motion until I'm firmly planted in his lap.

His hands grab my waist instantly, clearly anticipating the possibility of me falling backward. The touch sends electricity racing through my body, but I'm too focused on my mission to let it distract me.

In one smooth movement, I wrap my arms around his neck and pull him in for a kiss that would make a porn star blush.

It's deep, messy, and absolutely filthy.

I pour every ounce of defiance and desire into it, letting my tongue sweep against his in a way that makes him grip my hips tighter. The silk of his blindfold is cool against my skin where it brushes my cheek, providing an interesting contrast to the heat of his mouth.

Victoria's shocked gasp echoes through the room, followed immediately by Felix's appreciative whistle.

"Well, fuck," Carter whines from somewhere behind me. "She needs to kiss me like that."

"Did you get experience in pole dancing?" Felix asks, sounding genuinely curious, though I’m sure he understands I can’t answer him straight away. "Because that move was actually hot, and I might need to request a lap dance if it's included in the package."

"We'll have to ask later," Carter responds, his voice rough. "Because fuck, I want that too."

“I swear you’ve had enough of her today,” Felix sounds like he’s whining.

“Never enough, my dear friend. She’s addicting. You’ll have to request a free trial.”

“Fuck off,” Felix huffs, making Carter laugh in response before they fall silent, seemingly enjoying the madness I’ve ensued.

"What—what the fuck do you think you're doing?" Victoria sputters, her carefully crafted composure finally cracking.

I break the kiss, leaving Holmes breathing hard while I try to catch my own breath. Taking a deep inhale, I attempt to calm the bitter need to keep being a defiant bitch to this man who thought testing me was going to be some form of entertainment.

They want a show? Fine. I've been a form of entertainment for years. This is child’s play.

My fingers trace along Holmes's jaw as I consider my next move. He's still holding my hips, his grip firm enough to leave bruises, and I can feel the tension radiating through his body.

"I'm used to being an entertainer," I say, my voice carrying clearly through the silent room. "In a world that enjoys mocking Omegas left and right, you learn to give people what they expect and well…not expect." My nails scrape lightly against his stubble. "So why don't I show you what it's like to toy around with someone you've never physically met?"

The air in the room grows thick with tension as everyone waits for Holmes' response. His grip on my hips hasn't loosened, but I can feel the slight tremor in his hands that suggests I've gotten under his skin.

Good. Let him feel what it's like to be the one caught off guard for once.

I adjust my position deliberately, making my intentions clear as I turn my head enough over my shoulder to look in Victoria’s direction.

"Isn't this what you're used to?" I ask, my voice dripping with mock innocence. "You're here staking your claim, after all."

I pause, my fingers finding Holmes's tie.

With deliberate slowness, I loosen the expensive silk, sliding it free from his collar. The fabric whispers as I wrap it around my wrist, the material cool against my skin.

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