Page 30 of In Knots

“Yes, it’s him.”

“You sure?”

“Positive.”

“Good girl. You’re all safe now, baby.” He hangs up as Ryan’s bike mounts the curb and comes to a growling halt in front of me. He cuts the engine and kicks down the stand. The orange glow of the streetlights reflect off the shiny metal of the machine and his black visor. For a moment he looks more monster than man.

Jumping down from the bike and lifting off his helmet, he’s staring down into my face after several quick strides.

“Princess? You alright?” His hands rest on my shoulders and he brushes my hair back from my face. The roar of the traffic, the sounds of the night-time city, silence as I gaze back up into those eyes. Full of worry, full of concern.

“I’m fine,” I say, with only a hint of a wobble in my voice. “Buzz kept me entertained.”

“Ah shit! What crap did he–,” his gaze lands on my forehead, “what the fuck?”

My brow crinkles.

“What?” I press my fingers to my head, finding a sensitive spot where I’d bashed my forehead.

“What happened?” His voice morphs to a low growl. His jaw tightens. The tendons in his neck flex.

“I banged my head.” I’m not sure I can tell him the whole truth. He guesses it anyway.

“Did that bastard do this?”

“Not strictly.”

“But he was responsible?” I don’t answer. I don’t have to.

For a minute he says nothing. But the expressions thundering across his face tell me he’s wrestling with his temper.

I cower away a little and it seems to snap him back. “I’m mad with him, Omega. Not you. You’ve done nothing wrong.”

Is he right? In the moment, I was sure I was. Will everyone else see it that way?

He pulls me in for a tight hug, engulfing me in his strong grip, his scent soaking my senses. Leaning into him, I inhale and close my eyes.

“You want me to take you home?” he asks.

I shake my head. He grips me tighter.

Then he whispers into my crown. “Let’s get out of here, princess.”

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