Page 173 of Knot So Lucky

And fuck, it's attractive.

Makes me want to be submissive for him in ways I rarely allow myself to be with anyone. Want to trust him to protect me from the world's demands while I rest and recover.

Elias leans in closer, close enough that I can see the individual flecks of color in his green eyes, can smell the intensity of his scent as it wraps around me.

"So let me ask you again," he says softly, each word deliberate and weighted. "Do you want to go out with me, Lane?"

The use of my last name—intimate yet respectful, acknowledging both who I am publicly and privately—makes heat flood my cheeks.

I nod, not trusting my voice to stay steady.

"Yes."

His smile is devastating. Warm and genuine and carrying a hint of satisfaction that he got the answer he wanted.

"Good," he says simply. "Let's get ready then."

Shadow meows loudly, apparently having opinions about this plan.

Elias reaches up to scratch behind her ears, making the kitten purr even louder.

"And I'll get you a new toy for being so considerate in helping me find her," he tells Shadow seriously, like she can understand every word.

The casual promise to spoil our kitten, combined with the Alpha dominance he just displayed in defending my right to skip obligations that drain me—it's almost overwhelming in the best way.

I am mentally excited for a date with Elias.

Excited to escape the public pressure and media scrutiny that's been suffocating me since the race ended.

Excited to spend time with him outside the garage or training facility, where we can just be Aurora and Elias instead of Omega Racer and Pack Tech.

Excited to see what it's like when he pulls out all the stops to impress me, when I'm not exhausted or overstimulated or hiding under a car because the world is too much.

"Where are we going?" I ask as we carefully extract ourselves from under the car, standing and stretching muscles that have stiffened from the awkward position.

Elias's smile turns mysterious.

"It's a surprise. But I promise you'll like it."

He offers me his hand, and I take it without hesitation.

Let him guide me out of the garage, away from the chaos of the racing facility, toward whatever private sanctuary he's arranged.

Shadow rides on his shoulder like a tiny black familiar, purring contentedly.

And for the first time since the race ended, I feel like I can actually breathe.

The press conference can wait.

The media obligations can wait.

The entire world can wait.

Right now, I'm going on a date with Elias Vance, and nothing else matters.

CHAPTER 34

Shadows And Seduction