was just shy or awkward. That she truly didn’t see herself the way everyone else does. It was cute and endearing. Turns out, she’s just plain not interested. She has all the men she needs on tap already. And after pouring out my heart to her yesterday. Fucking humiliating,” he cursed himself.
A knock on the door interrupted the next round of questions and Kane hurried to answer it. He winced when he saw who it was. “This really isn’t a good time.”
Dawn held her head high as she pushed her way into the room, followed closely by all four of her paladins. “I insist.” Her gaze immediately sought out Knox. “Knox, I want to explain –”
“You don’t owe me any explanations, my lady,” he informed her, voice brittle with formality.
“But –” Dawn attempted to speak again, only to be cut off by Knox once more.
“You’re free to do whatever you want. Or whoever – as the case may be. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to get the bar open.” Knox gave Dawn a wide berth as he rushed out his front door, leaving his sons to deal with his mess. It wasn’t his proudest moment, to be sure, but it was the best way to keep himself from getting hurt further.
He grabbed a broom and began sweeping the already clean floor, when the door to the bar burst open. Knox pointedly ignored the intruder, knowing it wasn’t a customer. They didn’t open for another two hours.
“Are you proud of yourself for hurting her that way? Do you feel even now?” Micah demanded, charging forward.
“I hurt her?” Knox scoffed, tossing the broom to the side in a fit of temper. “She was the one who led me on.”
Micah scoffed, “Dawn couldn’t lead you on even if she tried. She is completely clueless about all that stuff and you know it. You’re just pissed because you saw her kissing someone else.”
Knox got right up in Micah’s face, shouting, “Of course I’m pissed! I thought –” he abruptly broke off, spinning away.
“You thought she liked you as much as you like her,” Micah supplied for him. “She does,” Micah said, voice strong and sure.
Knox shook his head. “Look, I know some wardens and paladins have no issue sleeping around or recharging through intercourse. But I’m not one of them. I also don’t share. That is a deal breaker for me.”
“Dawn is not one of them either. She abhors the practice. Unless it is consensual of course. I don’t think Ryker has a problem with it for example,” Micah added.
Knox would not be humoured. “Don’t bullshit me, Micah. I saw her. And you. And Reid.”
Micah frowned fiercely. “That wasn’t what it looked like.”
Knox scoffed, “Of course it wasn’t. And I suppose I misheard her declaration of love too?”
Micah moved suddenly and with the speed of a soldier. He grabbed Knox by the shirt and slammed him against the wall. “Listen, you prick! You are the first man Dawn has been interested in for centuries! And the first man who has been interested in her for the right reasons. You see the real Dawn. I know you do.”
Knox peeled Micah’s fingers off one by one. “Correction: I thought I saw the real Dawn. Turns out I was wrong.” He pushed Micah away, giving the other man his back.
“I wouldn’t have pegged you as a quitter.”
Knox closed his eyes, drawing in a deep breath and not moving a muscle. He was afraid he would seriously harm the paladin if he didn’t calm himself. “I am not a quitter,” he ground out through clenched teeth. Spinning to face Micah, he pointed a finger in warning at him. “I know more about survival than you ever will. Don’t you dare presume to know anything about my strength of will.”
Micah stared at him for a few tense moments before he relented, “Fine. You’re a survivor. Good for you.” He shook his head, “Was it that you were just looking for an excuse to run then?”
“I’m not a runner either. Watch your mouth, kid,” Knox warned.
Micah smirked at him, looking all superior. “Then why are you acting like a brat who got his favourite toy taken away? Why are you being so dramatic? Why won’t you just listen? You –” he broke off abruptly, snapping his fingers as if he had just solved some great riddle. “Oh! It’s like that. I didn’t realise.”
Knox said nothing, turning his back as he reached for an upturned chair stacked on the