Page 82 of Hard Knot

I nod, the memory flashing briefly in my mind.

Holmes and his short temper were no joke when he felt his space was being invaded.

Carter slides his arms beneath Elizabeth, lifting her effortlessly.

She doesn’t even stir, her body pliant and completely at ease in his hold.

“We need to make her a proper nest,” Carter says as he heads toward the door. “With her staying, it’s a must.”

I glance at him sharply.

“It’s still an if,” I remind him, though even I can hear the lack of conviction in my voice.

“After last night?” Carter smirks, his tone smug. “It’s a must. And I’m not just talking about the office incident. You know what I mean. The kitchen, after the lap dance.”

Heat rises in my cheeks at the memory, and I look away, trying to focus on anything but that. Carter’s smirk widens when he catches the faint blush creeping up my neck.

“Admit it,” he teases, his voice low and conspiratorial. “You fucking loved it.”

“Shut up,” I mutter, but my tone lacks any real bite.

Carter chuckles, shifting Elizabeth slightly in his arms as he moves toward the door.

He pauses, glancing back at me.

“Hurry up,” he says, his tone suddenly serious. “I’m only keeping my room open for five minutes. If you don’t make it, you’re sleeping alone.”

The invitation catches me off guard, but I don’t let it show.

Instead, I nod, pushing off the couch as Carter steps out of the garage.

“Oh,” he adds over his shoulder, his voice teasing again, “put your piercings back in before you come.”

I blink, startled, before realizing what he means. My hand moves instinctively to my chest, brushing against the faint indents where my piercings usually rest.

“Thanks,” I mutter, the word quiet and almost reluctant.

Carter doesn’t reply, but I can hear the faint amusement of an approval noise while the sound of his footsteps begin to fade as he heads down the hall towards the elevator to take us back up.

I waste no time, rushing to retrieve my piercings and set them in place.

As I fumble with the metal, a small smile tugs at my lips. The thought of curling up with them for one last morning snuggle before this ridiculous “student” life begins feels strangely...right.

Or maybe I’m excited to be myself for once.

Taunting Jealousy

~ELIZABETH~

The bathroom mirror is a reflection of the results of Carter’s uncontrollable urge to kiss me constantly during the entire ride here — me touching up my “slightly” smudged makeup while the usual crowd of Omegas huddle near the sinks and vanities, whispering just loudly enough to ensure I hear every word.

Yup. The usual.

"Did you see her this morning?" One of the girls I remember from the auditions whispers, her voice dripping with manufactured scandal. "Getting out of that CyberTruck like she owns it."

"Probably stole it," Another one chimes in with a snicker. "Or worse. With how she’s fixing her face she probably put that mouth to good use for once."

They giggle with extra emphasis, the fake mockery only making me want to roll my eyes because of how desperate they are to try to get under my skin.

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