“Like maybe you could just see where things go. Withhim.”
I think of Knox, of how damn possessive—and protective—he is. And that wholemy wifething? We haven’t even been married for a day, and those words have settled over me like a second skin.
Then there was that night. The night of our engagement party. My body was still in shambles from our encounter at the club, but that night…pushed me close to the edge.
Knox may be my villain but he makes me feel like I truly belong to him, and shamefully, I have to admit I don’t entirely dislike the idea.
Maybe it’s because I’ve never really belonged to anyone before.
I can’t count Chad. If I had truly belonged to him, he wouldn’t have left me the way he did.
But honestly, this is dangerous territory for me, and I can’t be a fool when it comes to Knox. It’s like walking on a frozen lake that’s about to crack.
I understand what Mia is saying, but the best thing I can do for my sanity is to be careful.
“How about I play it safe and focus on the one-step-at-a-time idea?” That would be the safest option for me. “You can’t expect anything from a man like Knox Vale.”
“But—”
“Mia, please,” I cut her off. “This is hard enough as it is.”
She rolls her eyes, then releases my shoulders. “Fine. I get it. Play it safe, then.”
“Yes,safeis best.”
Laughter ripples through the air. Deep and rich. It’s Knox.
He must be just across from us. His low chuckle rolls again, and a softer, feminine giggle follows. The kind of sound that slides straight under your skin.
Mia and I trade a look. Curiosity wins out, and we follow the sound until we reach the edge of a hedge shaped like spiraling topiary.
Through it, I see him. And her.
Knox stands with a raven-haired woman wrapped in a champagne gown that clings to her body like it was made for her. She’s elegant, definitely from his world.
They’re standing in the smaller courtyard, close enough that the space between them could be a breath.
Her hand rests on his arm. His head dips toward her as she says something, and he smiles, slow and warm. The kind of smile I’ve never seen aimed at me.
My stomach twists. For a moment, I can’t tell if it’s jealousy, shock, or something far worse—disappointment.
God, I’m so stupid. Disappointment?
I have no right to feel anything of the sort.
Didn’t I just tell Mia I wanted to play it safe? That wasn’t even a minute ago.
“Do you know who she is?” Mia whispers, her gaze flicking between them and me.
“No,” I breathe. “I have no idea.”
“Oh, maybe she’s a relative you haven’t met yet.”
“No, I’ve met his whole family.”
“Then maybe she’s a work colleague or…” Her voice fades when the woman slips her arms around Knox, and he pulls her close.
They look like forbidden lovers stealing a moment under the stars.
