Page 37 of Knot Your Sugar

We start walking, falling into a comfortable silence. The only sounds are our footsteps echoing softly on the sidewalk and the distant chirp of crickets. I notice, with a little internal smile, that Cole has automatically adjusted his longer stride to match my pace.

"So," I say finally, breaking the companionable quiet. "You, James, and Dorian. Quite the unexpected bromance."

A low chuckle rumbles in Cole’s chest. "Yeah, surprised me too, if I'm being honest. Especially James."

"Oh? What did you expect from James?" I asked, curious.

"Pretty boy alpha. More style than substance," he admits. "Assumed he was all talk and fancy piping techniques. Turns out, he’s actually got the skills to back up the swagger. Andhe’s not entirely insufferable… when he’s not trying to impress someone."

I laugh. "High praise indeed! And Dorian?"

"Interesting guy," he says thoughtfully. "Carries a heavy legacy on his shoulders, but wears it with grace. Doesn’t talk down to people, and works harder than he needs to. For someone in his position, that says a lot." Cole glances over, studying me. "And he thinks highly of you."

My cheeks warm. "We barely know each other."

"Maybe. But I recognize how he looks at you." His voice stays casual, but there's something careful in it. "Same with James. You three have history?"

My steps falter. "What makes you think that?"

"Body language. How James watches. How Dorian's eyes follow you. How you tense." He turns. "I notice things, Elena. It's part of my job."

Heat climbs up my neck. "It's... complicated."

Cole says nothing, just gives a slight nod and keeps walking. I exhale, relieved he’s not pushing.

We turn onto Maple Avenue, the street quieter here, lined with sleeping houses and fragrant gardens. The night air carries jasmine and something distinctly Cole—muted, but still enough to make my pulse skip.

"I didn't think I'd ever see you laugh like you did tonight," I say after a while, looking up at him.

Something in his expression opens up, making him look more vulnerable. "Haven't had much reason to laugh until the festival. City work is different. More calls, less connection."

"You miss it here," I observe.

"Parts of it." His eyes meet mine, holding for a moment too long. "Though I'm finding new reasons to appreciate the visit."

We're walking closer now, our arms occasionally brushing. Each contact sends electricity through me that has nothing todo with thinning chemical buffers and everything to do with the man beside me.

"Left up here," I say, my voice embarrassingly breathy.

As we turn the corner, my foot catches on an uneven section of sidewalk. I stumble forward with a small cry of surprise. Cole's hand shoots out instantly, catching me by the waist. His palm is large and warm against me, fingers spanning nearly half my upper body.

"Careful," he murmurs, steadying me but not immediately letting go.

I should try to step away. I don't.

"Thanks," I whisper instead, turning my head to look at him.

Under the gleam of a streetlamp, I can see gold flecks in his hazel eyes.

Chapter nineteen

Cole

Elena stumbles, her heel catching on uneven pavement. My hand shoots out instinctively, catching her by the waist. The contact is electric. Even through her jacket, I feel the heat of her skin, the curve of her hip fitting too perfectly beneath my palm.

"Careful," I murmur as every nerve ending in my body lights up like a fuse. The instinct to pull her closer wars with the rational part of me shouting that I should let go.

This is dangerous territory.

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