Page 33 of Seduced By the Werewolves

“Thanks for coming over,” I say at last, breaking the contact between us. “And for treating me like a princess.”

“Like a queen,” he corrects, leaning down toward me. “Because that’s what you are. Our queen.”

I blink at him. “‘Our’?”

He claps a hand over his mouth. “Sheesh,” he says. “I really do come on too strong. I mean, you’re only my queen if you want to be. And a subject doesn’t ask for anything in return.” He gives me a charming grin. “Just that you treat us well.”

Maybe I don’t know much about Quinn yet, but it also feels like I’ve known him for ages. He makes me comfortable in a way that’s effortless. I guess I don’t mind him calling me his queen.

It’s nice to be someone’s queen.

“It’s okay,” I tell him, sitting back down. “I think you’re just a romantic.”

His eyes glitter. “That I am.” He sits down next to me, keeping a polite distance away, but I can sense how he wants to be closer. “And I’ve been looking for my queen for a long time.”

This gives me a start. That sounds much more serious than what I thought we were discussing. Balling up my hands in my lap, I have to look away from his earnest, dark eyes.

“Quinn...” I begin, and he flinches.

“Uh-oh,” he says, trying to sound playful, but I can hear the anxiety underneath it.

“Did Jace and Leon tell you?” I ask quietly. “About last night?”

He tilts his head. “Huh? Yeah. Of course they did.” A broad smile crosses his face. “Is that what you’re worried about?”

The relief is welcome, and my fingers finally unclench. At least he’s aware. But that doesn’t change where we are now—that I’m already in not one, but two relationships, and clearly Quinn wants even more from me.

“I have to admit,” he says, “that hearing my brothers talk about last night...”

Oh, no. Is he going to tell me he was jealous, and that’s why he’s here? Am I a piece of meat and they each want a bite of me?

“…I just thought you might need a little TLC,” Quinn finishes. “Leon’s got that alpha energy, and Jace is a strong personality.”

That’s not what I expected, and it makes me happy. “Thank you. I did need it.” Having someone baby me has really helped me shed off the anxiety from my week like a bunch of dust.

Quinn shyly takes my hand in his, as if waiting for me to take it back. Like before, though, his skin is so warm that I don’t want to let it go. “I’m not asking for anything,” he says carefully. “Nothing you don’t want to give. I can just sit and hold your hand forever, and I’ll be happy.”

The sick thing is that I do want more. I like Quinn, I have to admit. Something about him is comforting and cozy and right. He really did treat me like his queen tonight, and I know he meant everything he’s said and done.

If there’s one thing the landscapers have in common, it’s their sincerity.

But it’s all so much. I’m still sorting through the endorphin-driven feelings I have for Leon and Jace, and I don’t know where Quinn fits, if he does.

“I’m not sure what I can give,” I finally say, lowering my eyes to my lap. Quinn massages my hand as I talk, digging his thumb into the tense flesh of my palm. “I feel like I’m barely keeping my head above water at work, and I’m already in a relationship with two other people.” I glance over at him quickly. “You should be seeing someone your own age, anyway. You’re too serious for only being?—”

“Twenty-three?” he supplies. “I’m not a kid or something, Tiff. I can make my own choices. And I know what I want, because I’ve wanted it for a long time.” He brings my hand up to his lips and hovers just centimeters away from kissing my knuckles. “But I also don’t want to cause you even more stress. I’m glad to go home now, and just be here when you need me.”

It seems far too good to be true. It must be. I don’t know what guy sits around waiting to dote on you hand and foot without expecting anything in return.

“I guess I can always use a free, home-cooked meal,” I say, trying to sound lighthearted.

But Quinn doesn’t answer. He simply watches me as he presses a gentle but bold kiss on the back of my hand. It sends a shockwave down my arm, straight to my nipples. God, why do these guys turn me on so much? It’s more than just the fact they’re all fit as fiddles and carved like David, or how they smell amazing, even when sweaty. They draw me to them on a level that feels deeper than that.

“I’ll take care of you every day if you want,” Quinn says in a low voice.

“Every day?” Geez.

“If you’ll let me.” He tilts my arm so he can kiss up my wrist, then the inside of my forearm. I allow it, like I’m hypnotized. Maybe I am, but he feels so good, I don’t want to stop him.

---