Page 59 of Knot a Bad Idea

Ouch. That sounded harsh, even for me.

Liam grits his teeth, and I fucking hate the agony that’s etched into my friend’s face.

“I’m thinking maybe it’s connected, somehow,” he says. “Donovan still thinks he wasn’t a good son. Maybe he’s convinced he wouldn’t be a good mate, either.”

Maybe Liam has a point, but I don’t fucking care.

I’m not inside Donovan’s head, and I never want to be.

Liam’s a better person than me. He gives empathy to someone even when they don’t deserve it.

And right now, Donovan is really fucking undeserving of anyone giving a shit about him.

“It’s not my fault the asshole has mommy issues. That doesn’t give him a reason to fuck with our girl.”

“I agree,” Liam says coldly as he nods. “I’m not making excuses. I’m just trying to figure out why.”

He’s pissed at Donovan, too.

“Yeah, well, that’s how we’re different,” I say. “You want to find the reasoning, and I simply don’t give a shit.”

Liam chuckles humorlessly. “That’s true.”

Then something phenomenal happens, and my world turns a little brighter.

My phone buzzes on the sink with a text from a number I’ve memorized.

A number I thought I’d never hear from.

I figured the phone was a pointless thing to give her, but it didn’t stop me from sending April texts of every fucked up thought I had of her.

I didn’t expect her to read them, much less respond, but she did.

“She’s coming,” I say, grinning down at my phone.

“Shetextedyou?” Liam looks shocked. “I thought we were blocked.”

I shrug innocently. “Me too. Guess not.”

I won’t tell him about the other phone—it’s my and April’s secret.

Besides, I can see the palpable relief on my friend’s face, knowing that she’s communicating with at least one of us.

All we need is a little time with her, and we can win her back.

I just know it.

“Oh, I fucking hate this,”I groan under my breath.

“This is ridiculous,” Liam agrees. “The string orchestra is a bit much.”

We’re in a ballroom for the event, with people literallywaltzing, like we’re in some cheesy historical drama. There ismingling, a ton of fancy drinks and food, and an orchestra to accompany the dancing. Crystal chandeliers hang above us, the light bouncing off them as chatter and music fill the room.

There was a fuckingchariotoutside with two white horses, and now I know why.

This shit is fairy tale themed.

I don’t belong here.