Page 6 of Untamed Instincts

Quinton wanted to kiss those lips his mate was nibbling on. “I’m going to be completely honest.” When the breeze blew stray hair across his face, Noah brushed them from his eyes. “I’m kinda broke right now.”

“As your official new friend, it’s my treat.” The hairs along Quinton’s arms started to prickle, causing him to covertly scan the deserted street. Despite not seeing anyone, he felt eyes on him.

“Then it’s my treat next time,” Noah said, unaware of the danger. Quinton wanted to keep it that way.

They walked to the parking lot, Quinton keeping one step behind so he could continue to glance around.

Noah stopped at an older model black sedan. “I’ll meet you there?”

“I’ll follow right behind you.” He didn’t want Noah driving separately, but Quinton had no choice. Luckily, his pickup was only a few spaces down. He waited until his mate was secure in his car before he trotted to his vehicle and jumped in, wondering who or what was watching him.

Chapter Two

As soon as Noah slid inside his car, he locked the door. His hands trembled as he started it, positive he’d felt eyes on him. It had to be Toro. He was the only person Noah could think of that would watch him from the shadows.

Damn it. All Noah had wanted was a night to forget his problems, to hang out with his best friend and brother, although Quinton had been a pleasant surprise.

The fact he was a father honestly didn’t bother Noah. Why should it when he had no plans to take things any further? They’d had fun with their little game, and it had been a nice distraction.

So why had he agreed to have breakfast with the hunk? Living under the constant threat of a beatdown had to have eaten away at some brain cells, but he couldn’t deny how attracted he was to the guy.

Breakfast was harmless enough. Afterward, Noah would be on his merry way to figure out his funeral arrangements. Then again, there might not be enough of him left to bury.

When he parked, Noah got out and discreetly glanced around but didn’t spot anyone watching him. Then again, Toro could be anywhere. Spotting someone, even in a small town, wasn’t as easy as the movies made it seem. Toro could be hiding anywhere. The possibilities were endless.

Noah was living a double life that Layne and Harris knew nothing about, though it wasn’t by choice. Now he was going to pay the ultimate price for it.

A large cherry-red pickup pulled in next to Noah. He waited for Quinton to join him before they headed toward the diner entrance. Noah was too nervous to eat but needed to at least have some toast. If he didn’t, he would soon feel queasy from drinking on an empty stomach.

Quinton held the door for him. The man was so tall that Noah didn’t have to duck under his arm.

He stepped inside the nearly empty diner and took a deep breath. If Toro was looking for him, then why not enjoy a last meal and good company?

Soon none of it would matter.

They took a seat halfway down the row of booths. Quinton waited until Noah slid in before he took a seat across from him. Quinton’s smile was soft and sweet, causing Noah’s insides to flutter.

He tucked his hands between his knees. “I don’t think we can get a bowl of pretzels here.”

It was still dark outside, and with the dim lights in the diner, all Noah could see was his reflection.

How could Quinton smile at him when his reflection showed stark fear? Didn’t the guy see it, or was the lighting too low?

Noah’s gaze flicked to the men seated in the last booth, looking half awake. Glancing over his shoulder, he saw a teenager sulking across from an older man, maybe father or uncle, who was scrolling on his phone. The adult was either ignoring him or oblivious to the kid’s attitude.

Noah turned back around when Quinton tapped his foot against his. His gray eyes appeared more gunmetal than steel like they had in the bar, darker from the lighting inside the diner.

“You seem lost in your own head, cub.” He pulled at the soul patch under his bottom lip, watching Noah closely, as if trying to guess what was on his mind.

The guy could guess for the next hour, and he wouldn’t come anywhere close to figuring it out.

“I think the lack of sleep is catching up to me.” Noah sat up straight and placed his hands on the table. “So, what do you want to use as a reward for our game, or are we finished playing?”

“Hang tight, Noah.” Quinton stood and walked behind the counter. That was the first time he’d said Noah’s name, and Noah liked how it sounded in such a deep, honeyed voice.

Quinton spoke too low to Roman, the owner and cook, for Noah to make out what they were saying.

With a nod, Quinton returned with a small plate that held two pieces of French toast. “Roman said to let him know what we want to order. He’s not coming out right now since he’s busy groping his mate.”

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