Page 94 of Knot What She Seems
Luka, probably well aware of exactly what he’s doing to me, counts down again.
Our hands slam into the button, and I watch the dangling little claw swing back and forth, so flimsily that I feel certain there’s no way it will scoop up a cotton ball, much less a stuffie.
But then, the claw swings at just the right angle and scoops up the turtle. My jaw literally unhinges as I stand there, watching the toy dangle in the air.
Two seconds later, Luka has scooped his prize out of the dispenser and is handing it to me with a very familiar, very smug alpha look on his face.
“One try?” I’m outraged. Disgusted. Hella impressed that he’s that good.
He dusts his shoulder off in reply, and I sock him lightly in the arm.
“Good form!” he compliments me.
I shake my head, refusing to think about that hit and focusing on the toy, which I shake in the air. “That was pure luck.”
“That was a compilation of research, practice, and skill.” That smirk he’s wearing is about to kill me because it has a direct effect on my heart.
“Sure.”
“It is. And if you’re a good omega, I’ll let you have a front row seat to some of the other skills I’ve perfected over the years.” His voice oozes sin. A throbbing erupts in my core, and I feel a tiny bit of slick in my panties. I hold my breath as I stare up at him, wanting more and hating myself for it. He steps toward me, his eyes twinkling, and whispers, “If you think the claw was hot, you’re going to be over the moon when you see how Ifold laundry.”
I assume he’s joking.
He’s not.
And by the time he’s done, I’m seriously debating whether or not I should let him fold me into whatever shape he wants and have his way with me.
But, in a rare gentlemanly twist, Luka merely puts all my folded laundry into his car, even complimenting me on helping my brother out, before he drives me back to campus. He leaves me at the gate, weak-kneed with a huge bag of fresh clothes, wondering when exactly I agreed to go on another date with him.
I’m not sure what happened.
Maybe it was the way he knew how to handle my pleated skirts. Or the crisp way he’d slide his hand down a pant leg before he’d fold it smooth. But somehow, some way, he tricked me. Addled my brain so my mouth would say yes.
Now—even though I’ve sworn them off, I somehow have a date with an alpha.
As I turn and head up the stone steps of Darling Academy, I shake my head. But I’m not even clear-minded enough to scold myself yet.
No.
I have something else I need to do first. My fingers are absolutely itching to update that picture of my nest.
It needs a quilt and a stuffed turtle immediately.
32
BRYLEE
“Areyou sure it’s okay I’m here with you?” Harper asks for the one millionth time as she smooths her hands down the sides of her skirt.
I snort as I shift the bag of groceries underneath my right arm so I can dig the key to Teddie’s apartment out of my back pocket.
“Trust me. It’s fine.”
“But are you sure?” One million and one times.
Now that Harper knows the truth about my double life, she’s been helping me brainstorm. Last night, we spent hours chatting in my room about ways Brylee and Teddie can both be at the upcoming ball simultaneously. Of course, the conversation dissolved into an interrogation about what I plan to wear on my upcoming date with Luka—which, according to Harper, is immensely more important. Stupid omega priorities.
“Can you hold this for a second?” I pass the bag to Harper and finally dig out my keys with a triumphant grin.
