Page 32 of Knot So Sweet (Leather and Lace #1)

Chapter 31

Candi

W hen we reached the top of the staircase, Viper paused, glancing down at me. His breath steady as if carrying my curvy frame was as light as a feather. I leaned back, looking up into those endless pits of black. They bore into mine with an intensity that stole the breath from my lungs.

"Are you ready to see your nest?" His voice was softer now, suggesting this moment mattered to him.

My heart swelled at the thoughtfulness behind it. I'd never had someone make me a nest before, and suddenly, I found myself nervous about what he had created for me.

Viper's gaze never left mine, and in that moment, I knew he was waiting for me to give him permission—a silent reminder that I was still in control.

Finally, I nodded, my throat too dry to form words.

A wicked smile tugged at Viper’s lips as he carried me into the room. The dim light inside cast soft shadows on the walls, wrapping the space in a velvety glow.

My heart fluttered as my eyes landed on the bed in the center of the room. It was everything I had imagined and more—plush blankets in deep shades of crimson and black, pillows arranged in soft layers, and the kind of luxurious bedding that begged to be touched.

Viper set me gently on the edge of the bed. My heart pounded as I sank into the decadent softness. My omega purred happily, instincts telling me this was where I belonged.

"Do you like it?"

My fingers ran over the satin sheets, the cool fabric heightening the warmth spreading through my core.

"It’s beautiful, Viper." The words came out breathless, as if I’d been holding them in for far too long. I took in the flickering candlelight and the lace and leather details scattered across the room. It was the perfect blend of softness and edge—a nest made just for me.

It was perfect.

His eyes glittered with pride, that signature cocky smirk creeping onto his lips. He leaned down, brushing his knuckles along my cheek. The simple touch sent shivers down my spine, every nerve in my body alight.

Ghost stalked toward the bed. When he reached the edge, he glanced down at me with a lazy grin. "You ready for this, princess?" His tone was low and hypnotic.

"Ghost, your shoulder—"

Ghost’s chuckle was dark, low, vibrating through the room. "You think some baseball bat is going to stop me from fucking you?" The way he said it, so casually, so confidently, made my stomach flutter, heat rushing through me despite the concern gnawing at the edges of my mind.

If it wasn’t for me, he wouldn’t have gotten hurt. That blow, that bat, everything had been meant for me. His gaze softened for a brief moment, and his fingers reached out, tracing a line along the tattoos on my chest, sending sparks of electricity skittering over my skin.

Guilt twisted inside me.

"I’m sorry about what happened."

"I’m not. That blow was meant for you," he growled. "I would take ten more if it meant not one hit you."

The intensity in his words stole the breath from my lungs. My heart ached with the conviction in his gaze. Like my safety was the most important thing to him.

More than anything else.

"Ghost—"

"Don’t feel sorry for me, princess. I did what any alpha would do for his omega. You’re mine to protect. Always."

He bent to bring us eyes level, his hand caressing my jaw lightly. Those mossy green eyes swirling with something I couldn't quite place.

Dark… Dare I say… Feral.

"I’m going to make you forget everything that happened today." His lips hovered just over mine, his breath fanning across my skin.

"Get out of your head, sweetheart," Viper added.

I shifted between these two alphas who seemed to know just how to get me to drop my barriers. Viper’s hand laced into my hair at the back of my neck, forcing me to brace myself behind me as I lost myself in two pools of darkness.

"This is your last chance to say no to us, sweetheart." He ended in a growl, nostrils flaring slightly.

Desire eclipsed any hesitation, a thrilling rush igniting my senses. There was no way I was turning them down—not when every part of me screamed for their touch.

My pulse quickened.

"I—"

Once again, I couldn't think clearly enough to form words. My heart raced too hard, too fast, heat flooding my veins.

I glanced around the room frantically.

Viper’s hand slithered to my chin, tilting my face up, so I had no choice but to meet his gaze.

"You don’t need to speak. Just feel. We’re gonna take care of everything else."

I nodded, and the smile Viper gave me was full of dark promises.

His hands roamed all over my bare skin, igniting sparks wherever they touched. I sank deeper into his hold, my heart racing as I glanced at Ghost. He had propped himself up against the leather headboard, still shirtless, wearing low-slung basketball shorts that barely concealed the thick muscles beneath his skin. Even with his arm in a sling, he exuded a raw power.

He was terrifyingly handsome .

Viper nipped at my ear, his hand coiling around my collar from the base of my throat, grounding me. "We’re going to make sure you forget why you pushed us away to begin with."

A shiver danced down my spine.

"Do you have any idea what you do to me?" Viper asked. "I would tear the world apart just to have you."

A fire roared to life in my belly. Fully surrendering to the overwhelming need that thrummed between us.

"Then take me."