Page 13 of Knot That Difficult

I recognize that name. The owner, Connor, is working with April to carry their coffee at the café, and rumor has it that Devyn has a crush on him.

And by rumor, I mean April and Skylar have told me countless times.

I’ve tried to bring it up before; Devyn just stammers and changes the subject.

I just wish I knew exactlywhy.

I want her to have a pack, and it’s clear she wants one, too.

“Baby,” I say gently, and she looks up at me, her beautiful face flushed.

“Anything you want,” I tell her softly. “You can have anything you want.”

She nods in understanding and breathes deeply. “I know,” she whispers. Her pupils are wide, her lips parted, and her sweetness fills the air.

Good thing that bath is almost ready.

“I mean it,” I continue. “Anything, and anyone.”

Her scent increases, and her breathing quickens.

Just tell me why you’re scared,I want to say.Just tell me. I won’t leave. I just need to know so we can do this together.

But now’s not the time. Especially when my cock is straining in my pants.

The idea of being with that Alpha made her aroused, and in turn, it made my cock hard as a rock.

When Devyn finally has her pack, it will be spectacular.

I help her into the clawfoot bathtub and join her in it, the hot water soothing my muscles. She presses her back against my chest, and I squeeze some of the floral body wash into my hands to wash her. She sighs at my touch, and goosebumps trail up her arms as I take care of her.

“Thank you, Ben,” she whispers.

“Thankyou,” I tell her. “For being with me. For letting me love you.”

I’m sure I sound ridiculous. Before Devyn, I never found myself blurting out declarations of love, but everything changed with her.

But judging by her gasp, she doesn’t find my words ridiculous.

“You make me want to live,” I continue, running my thumb over a tight area of muscle in her shoulder blade. “Not just exist—butreallylive. I wish I could be as passionate as you, Dev.”

“I’m notthatgreat,” she murmurs, but I can hear the smile in her voice.

“You are,” I say. “Respect your elders, Dev. Listen to their sage advice.” I nip at her mating gland, and she lets out a cross between a laugh and a moan.

“Gross,” she murmurs, but her breath hitches as I suck at the delicate spot that I’ve already tortured more than enough.

Icouldbite her now.

She would encourage it.

But we should wait until she finds her pack.

“I’m sorry,” she blurts out suddenly, and I freeze my movements.

“For what?”

“For—” She splashes at the water haphazardly, then motions to herself. “For what I called you. I’m sorry.”

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