Page 177 of Knot So Lucky

Aurora takes a sip, her eyes never leaving mine.

"You have a theory about who's behind it."

It's not a question.

"Several theories," I admit. "But I need your permission to investigate properly. Using methods that might be technically criminal, if we're being completely honest about it."

I lean forward, lowering my voice even though the acoustics of this room are designed to prevent eavesdropping.

"Hacking into protected databases. Bribing officials for information. Applying pressure on people who might have relevant knowledge through means that wouldn't hold up in court." I pause. "My family has resources for these things. Expertise. Connections that can make people very uncomfortable very quickly."

Aurora's expression shifts into something that I can only describe as hungry.

"I'm kind of turned on by this side of you," she admits, voice dropping into a register that makes heat coil in my belly. "The Bravati heir who casually discusses criminal investigation methods over expensive wine."

She takes another sip, then meets my eyes with deliberate intensity.

"You have my permission. Full permission, for whatever you need to do to figure this out." Her voice softens slightly. "Thank you for even wanting to try. It's been bothering me…wondering who's behind it, whether they'll try again.” Her voice is even quieter as she adds, “This whole pack thing is new and well…I know you guys can handle yourselves but it would give me some reassurances to know my pack is safe."

Relief floods through me at her trust.

"I haven't gotten any major threats since," Aurora continues. "No more incidents beyond the usual online harassment that comes with being publicly Omega in racing. So that's good, I guess."

"For now," I say quietly. "But whoever orchestrated the kidnapping has resources and patience. They'll try again, probably when we least expect it."

The waiter appears to take our dinner orders.

Aurora chooses the mushroom risotto after I recommend it, while I order the osso buco. We both agree to save room for dessert, which makes the waiter smile knowingly before disappearing again.

"Tell me something happy," Aurora says suddenly, clearly wanting to shift away from the darkness we've been discussing. "Something about you that has nothing to do with crime, racing, or pack dynamics."

I consider the question, sorting through memories for something appropriately light.

"I collect antique watches," I admit. "Have about thirty of them, all mechanical rather than digital. There's something beautiful about the engineering—hundreds of tiny components working in perfect synchronization to measure time. The artistry combined with precision."

Aurora's smile is genuine.

"That's so perfectly you. Appreciating both the aesthetic and the mechanical function."

Our food arrives—presented beautifully, aromatic enough to make my mouth water. The risotto looks perfect, creamy and rich with truffles shaved over the top. My osso buco is falling-off-the-bone tender, braised in wine and herbs until the meat is practically melting.

I cut a small piece of the meat, then hold the fork out to Aurora in offering.

She blinks in surprise but leans forward, accepting the bite with her lips closing around my fork in ways that are absolutely devastating to watch.

"Mmm." The sound she makes is borderline obscene, her eyes closing in appreciation. "That's incredible."

"Try this." She offers me a forkful of her risotto, turnabout being fair play.

I accept it, letting the creamy texture and earthy truffle flavor coat my tongue. "Perfect. Though not as delicious as you."

The flirting is easy, natural, the kind of back-and-forth that happens when two people are genuinely attracted and comfortable with each other.

We eat and talk, sharing bites of food and sips of wine, the conversation flowing between serious topics and playful banter without awkward transitions.

Aurora tells me about her first time rebuilding an engine at age twelve, how her father found her covered in grease and so proud of herself for getting it running. I admit a few of my hobbies that I do outside the garage, beyond the typical tech stuff or anything with building — except for Lego.

That is one of my guilty pleasures when it comes to building.