Page 69 of Hard Knot

Elizabeth sighs dramatically, the sound exaggerated and drawn out, but there’s a flicker of a smirk on her lips.

“Fine,” she mutters, her tone laced with playful irritation. “You’ve managed to carve out a soft spot in my cold heart.”

I’m positive Carter’s grin is from ear to ear, bright enough to lighten the room. He likes to clutch his chest theatrically in times like these, feining some sort of heartbreak or agony that’s obviously a lie. I’m positive this moment is no different.

“Ah, music to my ears. You hear that, Felix? She loves me.”

Felix adjusts his glasses again from the sound of it, and I wonder if his expression is unreadable as always, though I can take a wild guess that he’s amused.

“Don’t get too smug, Carter. You’re still only one-third of the equation.”

“No offense,” Elizabeth says smoothly, “but I still don’t know you. And if I’m going to be stuck with you all for a few days, you could at least tell me where you got those glasses. And if I can get a pair that doesn’t fog up while I’m dancing.”

I can bet Felix is raising an eyebrow her way, his fingers lightly adjusting the frames perched on his nose — again.

“Do you have trouble seeing?”

“Sometimes. My vision doesn’t blur unless I’m stressed or tired, but nighttime driving is a bit of a chore. Astigmatism,” she adds as if it’s an afterthought. I don’t know why I can see her standing in a nonchalant type of pose or even shrugging her shoulders like this is no big deal, despite the topic.

Carter pipes up instantly.

“You should get contacts for that. The prescription kind, not just for a pop of color to match your unique style.”

Elizabeth waves him off which I grasp from the sudden whip of wind that breezes my way.

“Maybe, but I kind of want the glasses.” I can only envision her smiling almost playfully. “That way, I can twin with you.”

Felix hesitates for half a beat before responding.

“I’ll admit,” he says, his voice dry but laced with amusement, “that’s...kind of hot.” There’s a pause. “Stay still,” he adds, stepping forward from the sound of shuffling movement.

That’s a habit Felix does in my presence. Shuffling when he normally walks so quietly, you can barely hear him, especially when he doesn’t want to be noticed in a silent space.

I hear the faint sound of his fingers brushing against the bridge of his nose as he removes his glasses. The shift in air currents tells me he’s leaning toward her, placing the glasses on her face.

Carter whistles low, the sound sharp in the charged silence.

“Damn,” he says. “Felix, at least take a picture. You can’t deprive the world of this masterpiece.”

Elizabeth’s laugh rings out, melodic and effortless. It’s a sound I don’t want to acknowledge, much less admit, but it’s captivating. Even without sight, I can picture her—smirking, glowing, exuding that infectious confidence she wears so well.

“You’re right,” she says, her tone playful. “If I look that good, I totally want a pair now.”

Victoria’s sharp voice cuts through the banter like a knife.

“Hello? I’m still here.”

Elizabeth doesn’t miss a beat, and I’m pretty positive she’s turning to her with a lazy smile.

“And?”

The single word lands with a force that leaves Victoria spluttering in baffled silence.

“Anyway,” Elizabeth says breezily, shifting her attention back to us. “I’ve worked up an appetite. Though I’m no longer thirsty.”

The subtle emphasis on the word “thirsty” is accompanied by the soft, wet sound of her tongue dragging over her lips. Even without seeing it, I can hear the action—the way her lips part just slightly, the faint suction noise that follows.

I grit my teeth, unwilling to let my imagination run wild.

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