Page 59 of Knot Going Down

“That was before I realized you were trying to give Emily a heart attack. That movie has a murder in the first four minutes,” Knox argues.

“A bad guy gets murdered!” Ava huffs. “No one cares if a bad guy croaks.”

“We’re watchingThe Bartered Soul.” Declan strides over and plucks the remote from her hands.

A soft gasp of faux betrayal escapes Ava. “Seriously? The romantic pirate one with all the secrets and longing glances?”

“Exactly,” Declan says, already cueing it up.

Surprisingly, no one protests. Either he picked the one movie we can all agree on or we’re getting used to letting him take the lead. Like a real pack alpha. But I shouldn’t get ahead of myself.

Gunner hops up between Knox and Ava, plopping his head on Knox’s lap before flopping over on his side dramatically for tummy rubs. Declan settles next to me on the tiny loveseat, and Lucas claims the floor at our feet, stealing the bowl of popcorn off the coffee table like it’s his birthright.

As the opening credits roll, Declan wraps his arm around my waist to pull me closer. I snuggle against him, resting my head on his shoulder and a hand on his thigh. Gunner lets out a quiet huff and lifts his head to peer at me, as if approving our physical contact. I can’t help smiling at him.

“He’s a romantic at heart,” Declan murmurs, brushing my knuckles with his thumb.

“So is his owner, apparently.”

“I like happy endings,” he says, voice low, meant only for me, but Lucas gives a murmur of approval.

Halfway through the movie, Knox is asleep, snoring softly with his mouth open. Ava’s curled under a throw blanket, murmuring along with her favorite lines.

Lucas’s fingers trail lightly over the back of Declan’s calf, inching slowly upwards.

Declan’s breath catches, and I watch the subtle twitch of his muscles under Lucas’s teasing. Emboldened, I follow Lucas’s lead, my hand slipping higher up Declan’s thigh, brushing the hem of his shorts.

The tension between us is electric, but it’s soft, intimate, like a secret only the three of us know.

Declan shifts slightly, a low breath escaping his lips. The corner of his mouth quirks up in a half-smile, but his eyes stay locked on the screen though I know he’s barely paying attention.

I squeeze Declan’s thigh gently, offering a silent promise. This night is just beginning.

By the time the credits roll, it’s quiet. Knox and Ava are asleep, their feet touching with Gunner sprawled over them like a furry weighted blanket.

Lucas gives me a telling look, not so subtly jerking his chin toward Declan, who’s gotten up to get some water from the kitchen. While I’m still trying to work up my courage, my fellow beta slips out onto the balcony, giving us some privacy.

Finishing his drink, Declan cleans his glass and puts it away in the small cupboard. He’s meticulous like that, and I really like it, but wonder what he’ll think of my messy kitchen. Will it bother him?

“Where’d Lucas go?” Declan whispers, returning to the living room.

I point toward the balcony. “Giving us space.”

Declan’s brows lift slightly, then soften. I take his hand, nervous but determined, as I lead him upstairs. We both know where this is headed.

The bedroom glows with the soft warmth of the lamp on the nightstand. I suddenly wish the light was dimmer. That I was braver.

Declan turns to face me, apparently sensing the shift in my mood. He gently takes my hands. Sitting down on the bed, he pulls me forward until I’m standing between his spread legs.

“Are you sure?” he asks.

I nod, but it’s shaky. He tips his head, clearly unconvinced. “You can tell me if you’re nervous.”

“I am.” The honest answer comes easily. “It’s… been a while.”

“Ah.” He brushes his fingers against the hem of my shirt. “How long is a while?”

“High school.”