Knot Their Darling (Knotting-verse #1)

It takes me hours to get everything she’ll need, and without a doubt, I go overboard. I planned on asking her what she likes, what kind of shampoo and soap she preferred, but when I went to her room, she was sleeping so peacefully I didn’t want to wake her. I figured I’ll just get what I can, and if she doesn’t like something, I’ll replace it. We have the money.

Besides, I took the next few days off to spend time with her. Being alone in a new house can’t be easy or fun. If I need to get her other things, I’ll have plenty of time.

When I make it back to the house, my car is damn near full, and I’m surprised when I pull into the garage and see Darius’s car parked. Huh. I thought he was at work today. Why would he be home? Hopefully he hasn’t crossed paths with Mercedes yet; I know better than most just how much of a jerk he can be when he’s in a mood. He’s likely to scare her off, give her the wrong impression.

I grab as many bags as I can and lug them into the house, all the way up to her bedroom, where she sits on the bed, clutching her old backpack to her chest, a far-off look on her face. I nearly stop cold when I see her—it looks as if she’s debating on running away, and the mere thought makes my heart ache in a terrible way.