Page 54 of Knot a Bad Idea

“Please, just take the phone and go,” I whisper. “I’ve had a hard day; I can’t do this right now.”

“Yeah, baby? Well, I’ve had a hard week ever since my girlfriend left without saying goodbye.”

“Stop it!” I shout, shoving at his chest. He doesn’t budge. “Go away, Hunter!Please!We’re not dating! We never were!”

I can’t even look at him. If I do, I’ll collapse into his arms. I squint my eyes shut, still shoving at him, until he finally steps away.

“I don’t care what Donovan tells you,” he rasps, and I open my eyes as a tear slips free. “He’s wrong, April. He’s stupid, and he’s?—”

“But he’s your pack leader, Hunter,” I whisper. “And he made his intentions clear about what he wants for the three of you.”

“But he doesn’t have to be,” Hunter snarls. “Fuck him, and fuck Liam. I just wantyou.”

I let out a sob, a sound of frustration and heartbreak. I didn’t want to cry in front of him. I wanted to wait until he left to weep peacefully in my room.

“You are not breaking up your pack because of me,” I choke out as Hunter shakes his head. “I can’t let you do that. Not because ofme.”

“Baby—”

“Donovan is your best friend, along with Liam. You are Pack Axton, and me, a fuckingnobody, will not break you up.”

Hunter’s eyes narrow. “Don’t say that shit about yourself. You arenot?—”

“If you respect me at all, you willleave,” I choke out, my voice rough. “If you care about me at all, you will go back to the packhouse. I swear, Hunter, take one more step toward me, and I won’t forgive you.”

So dramatic,my inner voice chastises me.

But my heart is about to shatter and I’m a moment from collapsing on the ground.

And if Hunter comes any closer, I know I’ll throw myself into his arms.

Hunter stands there, hands in his pockets, watching me with pained eyes. “Fuck, I just…I miss you, April.”

I close my eyes and exhale slowly, Donovan’s words in my head.

I’m not special.

He’ll find someone else to be obsessed with.

I’m not special to Donovan, so why would I think his packmates would find me suitable?

“Go, Hunter.”

He holds my gaze and his scent sours slightly, the spice becoming muted. His eyes grow pained, but he nods and heads to his car.

I burst through the door the moment I hear the engine start, head into the living room, and collapse on the couch.

It’s eleven at night. He has a four-hour drive ahead of him.

I should at least have offered to let him sleep on the couch.

I put my head in my hands and start to cry.

I’m going to have to say goodbye to all three of them soon.

The wedding is only weeks away, and after that, the contract is over.

I keep my sobs quiet, only the occasional sniffle giving anything away.