Page 21 of Knot Only For One Night

If I don’t give her something, she’ll just keep prying until I slip up.

“Just a heat partner," I murmur, hoping that Queen doesn't hear me. She’d get way too excited, then disappointed when she realizes this could all be nothing. I turn around to check, and they are already out the door.

“Not going back to Omega Center and Co.?”

“No. I’m doing things my own way.”

“Like a Prez would.” She winks and I shake my head. Not quite right, but she’s built with so much positivity there is no point in disputing her. “What’s her name? Maybe I know her.”

“Esper Malent. She goes to White Pine Crest.”

“Hmm…seems like that college is good for something.”

“I didn’t meet her there, smartass,” I retort, then wince when I realize I just gave up a little more dirt on myself.

Jewels’ jaw drops. “Reed Nightwell is on a dating app? Ladies and gentlemen and everyone in between, who would have guessed.”

“Shut up, Pixiedust,” I say, sliding off the stool and downing the water she gave me.

“What’s she like?”

“We’ve just met—” I start but am sidetracked by another text that gets my feet running. “I gotta go, take care!”

Esper

Hey!

my heat is starting, pls, help

if you want

no pressure

Her heat started? So soon? I haven’t even gotten to meet her properly, and she still wants me?

I really shouldn’t be giddy at a time like this.

I wave to Jewels as I swing open the bar door, the morning sun beating down on me as I pick up my helmet and strap it on.

If her heat’s started, she’s in pain right now, and that gets my blood rushing under my skin, egging me to move faster. I can’t stand the idea of leaving her waiting. Not Esper.

I look down to see another text, one with an address, and I notice another person is in this chat too. With practiced ease, I mount and crank my bike, prop my phone on the stand, and click on the icon at the top of the message chat.

Who else is getting these messages? Who else may be rushing to Esper’s side at this exact moment? I click to the chat members, and to my surprise, it’s a contact already saved in my phone.

Hacker? I mean, Neven?

How?

Why the hell does Esper have Neven's number? Does she know we know each other? How did they meet? When?

Just…how?

I shake my head, pulling up the map to her address. None of that matters. I need to get to Esper. I haven’t met her in person yet. I don't know what the hell I was waiting on, but… I guess the quickest way to find out if we’re compatible is trial by fire?

Or by heat, at least.

If she hates me, she can just kick me out. I’d leave, despite every cell in my body rejecting that idea. I’m a gentleman, fuck you very much. But, by God, I hope she’ll want me to stay.