Page 38 of Knot Going Down

Before I can protest, or even realize what’s happening, his hand is in mine, and Knox is leading me off the dance floor toward the open deck of the ship. Lucas stays by my side, shouldering people out of the way as we pass. My head feels light and fuzzy. My body, detached, like it has a mind of its own, hyper-aware of the press of Knox’s palm. The heel of his hand brushes mine, and I imagine it grinding into a very different part of me.

My mind screams that I need to get away from these men, that I can’t let them know my secret. But my body has other ideas.

I grab the hem of Lucas’s shirt with my free hand, needing to feel connected.

Once we’re out of the press of bodies, on the open deck, Knox pushes me against the railing and crowds close, lifting my chin and examining my face.

For the first time, I note the genuine concern in his eyes. It’s been a long time since a man’s been concerned about me, since a man’s even noticed when I’m upset.

“Better?” he asks.

I don’t realize how truly overheated I feel until he lifts my hair and a cold breeze hits my neck. I shiver, but I’m far from cold.

“You are very red,benzinho,” Lucas says, looking just as concerned.

Which makes me want to cry.

Fuck, no. I’ve cried enough in the past few days. That isn’t me. I want to feel like myself again. I want to feel powerful. In control. Wanted.

“Kiss me,” I say, grabbing a fistful of Knox’s shirt.

He smirks. “That’s not gonna cool you off, doll.” He turns to Lucas. “Get her some water. Please.”

I appreciate that he didn’t forget his manners.

Lucas hurries off, and the hand Knox used to tilt my chin moves down to collar my throat. “You’re burning up.”

Shit. I thought I’d have more time. It’s too soon for me to go into heat. Is this heat? All I can think about is climbing this man like my own personal tree. Wrapping myself around him like a koala. Grinding my clit against those hard abs. And kissing… “Please, kiss me.”

I’ve never begged for a man’s touch in my life. Menwantto touch me.

I. Don’t. Beg.

But here I am, begging. “Please, alpha, kiss me.”

His pupils blow wide, nostrils flaring, and I realize my mistake. I remember why I needed to stay away.

“Omega,” he whispers. A second later, his lips are on mine. Urgent. Demanding. Surprisingly gentle beneath the heat.

His mouth moves with fierce tenderness, claiming and comforting all at once, and the tight, itchy ache inside me melts away into a rush of pure, consuming pleasure.

His scent thickens around us, swirling with mine in a dizzying, intoxicating blend of pheromones that makes my head spin.

My sweet graham cracker and blackberry cheesecake blends with Knox’s deep, rugged leather like a rich dessert served on a weathered wooden table—warm and comforting with an edge of raw strength. My sweetness softens his intensity, leather grounding my fruity velvet, a balance of cozy warmth and bold earthiness, like a late-night fire crackling under starlit skies.

“Oh!” Lucas gasps, the sound knocking some sense back into me.

Fuck. Fuck fuck fuck fuck!

This wasn’t supposed to happen. I push Knox away, gaze flying to Lucas. I can’t tell if his shocked expression is because I was kissing Knox or because he’s figured out I’m an omega.

“You can’t tell anyone,” I blurt, speaking to both of them. “About anything.”

I look right at Knox, then Lucas. I don’t want anyone to find out about my omega status, but I also don’t want Emily to know I kissed her ex. Even if it’s over between them, it was clear in the pool today she still has some lingering feelings. And judging from the way I’ve caught Knox looking at Emily, it’s not so over for him either.

“That was…” His voice comes out rough.

“A mistake,” I finish for him. A big mistake. “Please, don’t tell anyone.”