Page 44 of Knot Ruined

But she cuts me off before I can. “I’ve got to go, guys. Love you.” And just like that, her screen goes black.

I sigh, my shoulders slumping, the weight of my helplessness settling deep. “I really wish she could see herself the way we do. She’s a beautiful woman and kind as hell.”

“Preach it, sister.” Violet’s voice is sharp, laced with an edge of protective anger. I glance back at the screen and shake my head.

“I have to go, Vi. I can’t handle this right now. You be careful and stay safe. Love you.”

She nods, her blue eyes flashing with frustration, but she doesn’t argue.

When the call ends, I let out a long breath and pinch the bridge of my nose. The dull ache in my temples has transformed into a full-blown headache that throbs behind my eyes, pounding with every beat of my heart.

A soft knock on my office door pulls me from my spiraling thoughts. I blink, straightening up.

“Come in.”

The door bursts open, and a whirlwind of warmth and energy sweeps into the room. Before I can react, I’m scooped up effortlessly, lifted like I weigh nothing as Romano settles into my chair—only with me in his lap.

His arms wrap around me possessively, burying his face in my neck. He inhales deeply, groaning in satisfaction. “Ahh, much better. I was lonely. I missed my little love.” His voice is smooth and affectionate, his hold around me firm but not suffocating. Just solid. Warm.

I melt into him, resting my head against his broad chest, my fingers curling into his shirt. “I missed you too, Ro.”

His grin is devastating, bright, and full of mischief as he brushes my hair away from my face, trailing his fingers down my cheek.

His touch is so gentle that it makes my throat tighten. “What are you doing in here besides stressing?” His tone is playful, but I can hear the concern beneath it.

I exhale, explaining everything—Odette, the endless stack of resumes, the frustration, the stress weighing on me.

His frown deepens, his brows pulling together. “I don’t like you upset.” He taps his fingers against my knee, thoughtful. “I know something that’ll cheer you up.”

I tilt my head back, peering up at him with narrowed eyes. “Oh yeah?”

His grin spreads slowly and dangerously, and my breath catches in my throat. Goosebumps prickle my skin as the atmosphere between us shifts.

Romano leans down, capturing my lips in a kiss that starts soft, teasing— until he nips at my bottom lip, making me gasp.

And then he takes advantage.

His tongue sweeps into my mouth, claiming, teasing, tasting. I don’t stand a chance. I’m utterly consumed, my body pressing closer on instinct. The heat between us ignites like a spark catching dry kindling.

When he finally pulls away, we both breathe harder, his lips kiss-swollen and slightly smug. His eyes flick over my dazed expression, and his voice drops into something low and satisfied. “Oh, little love… I need a better taste.”

I barely have time to process before he stands with me still in his arms. Romano lowers me slowly like he has all the time in the world. Like he wants to savor every second, tease me with the anticipation of what’s coming next.

But I don’t want slow.

I don’t want gentle, measured, teasing.

I want him.

I take one step back, my breath coming faster, my hands moving before I even think about it. I grab the hem of my sweater and yank it over my head, tossing it somewhere behind me, uncaring where it lands.

Romano’s eyes darken instantly, his pupils dilating as his gaze devours every inch of bare skin revealed to him.

A low growl rumbles from deep in his chest, raw and approving, and the sound sends a hot, electric thrill through my veins.

“Fuck, little love.” His voice is rough, wrecked, already thick with hunger. He pulls his glasses off and sets them on my desk.

His hands go to the collar of his own shirt, but he doesn’t just pull it off— he rips it over his head in one smooth motion, tossing it to the side. The sight of him—golden skin stretched over hard muscle, broad chest rising and falling with barely contained restraint, the ink swirling down his arms and across his ribs—makes my mouth go dry.

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