Page 48 of Knot for Me
“No,” Marco cuts in quickly. “We discussed things, and we decided to give you the option to leave. If you want.”
Yep, they know what happened.
I look at Lucas. “Do you want me to leave?”
I’m surprised by how much the thought bothers me.
“It doesn’t matter to me what you do, Reagan.” He takes a sip of wine, staring me down over the rim of the glass, thoughts shuttered and hidden.
Ouch.
“Lucas.” Cory pinches the bridge of his nose. “Sorry, he’s an asshole. All we’re trying to do is give you a choice.”
“What happens if I do leave?”
Lucas growls. “Then you get sold off again.” He drains the rest of his wine. “And you’ll become another pack’s problem.”
“Are you always so rude?” I ask him, leaning forward.
“I’m not rude,” he says, jaw ticking.
“Seriously? The only time you’ve been nice to me is when you knotted me! Other than that it’s been snide, short comments from you.”
“I made you a sandwich.” He scowls at me.
“That doesn’t make you nice.”
He seethes but doesn’t try to convince me he’s a good guy, which begrudgingly makes me respect him a little bit. He’s not going to pretend to be something he’s not.
Standing, he puts his palms on the table and leans over. “What’s your answer?”
“I don’t—” I cut off, trying to think, but with the three of them staring at me, it’s hard. I don’t know if I want to leave. I don’t want to be sold off again. I’m worried about staying, but these guys aren’t going to hurt me. At least not physically. My desire to stay safe outweighs the desire to get far, far away from Lucas. “If you want me gone, I’ll go.”
“I’m not saying that. I’m asking you what you want.” He says the words slowly to make sure I understand.
“No. I don’t want to leave.” I clench my fists under the table, hating how he’s sneering at me like I’m an idiot.
“Okay,” Marco says, clapping. “Now that that’s settled, let’s eat.” He cuts a piece of his steak and pops it into his mouth, ignoring the way I’m fuming and the pure hatred pouring off of Lucas.
“I have work to do.” Lucas grabs his plate and silverware and leaves the room.
I deflate a little, relieved he’s gone but also annoyed he was the one who got to storm off. That seems like omega territory.
“This is really good, Cory,” Marco says, trying to ease us into a normal conversation.
Cory thanks him and takes a gulp of wine. “You should eat,” he tells me.
“Okay.” I pretend like nothing is wrong, eating my dinner and laughing at Marco’s ridiculous jokes. Deep down though? I can’t stop thinking about Lucas.
That’s when I know I’m in trouble.
ChapterTwelve
CORY
Reagan is shaken during the whole meal. She’s trying to hide it, but she was surprised by our question. She was mad at Lucas, but her eyes kept skating off to the doorway. She’s a good actress, and if I weren’t paying close attention to her, I probably wouldn’t notice the micro expressions that give away her conflicted emotions. She enjoys Marco’s ridiculous stories, but underneath that is a certain sadness.
“I’ll clean up,” I say, standing before she can when she finishes her last bite.
