Page 8 of Untamed Instincts

Something much more interesting and possibly carnal in nature. Some kind of wicked pleasure.

Noah might’ve protested out loud if that had been the case but wondered what it would feel like to kiss Quinton’s full lips.

“I already told you I’m just tired,” he replied, handing the fork across the table.

“That’s one round of coffee you have to buy.” Quinton grabbed the fork, but his gaze never left Noah’s.

“You’re saying I’m lying?”

“Through your teeth.” Quinton hovered the piece of French toast at his lips. “Ask so I can take a bite. I’m starving.”

Noah wasn’t sure he wanted to play this anymore. It had been a lie at first, but exhaustion was really starting to set in, so would the delayed truth count?

“Why are you so interested in me?” Noah had seen plenty of hot guys in the bar, and better-looking twinks than him, since they were the “type” Quinton seemed interested in.

Not that Noah was putting himself down. He was genuinely curious to know what Quinton saw in him.

“I’m not sure what you’re asking.”

Of course not. Quinton probably never had an insecure day in his life. “You’ve never been in the middle of a conversation or caught someone’s eye and wondered what that person thought of you?”

Noah couldn’t be the only person who had done that.

“You two decide what you want for breakfast?” Roman asked when he stopped at their table.

“Noah can go first,” Quinton offered. He looked a little intimidating when he folded his arms over his chest, those thickly honed muscles popping out.

“Some toast would be fine. Thanks.” Noah smiled at Roman, his mood spiraling downward.

What was he doing with Quinton? The guy didn’t want to be friends, yet Noah had allowed himself to believe the lie. It was clear from Quinton’s attention he was interested in more.

Like the way he was eyeing Noah at that very moment. This had been a huge mistake.

And there was the infamous panic that always set in. Noah wondered when it would strike. He was surprised it hadn’t already happened.

“Excuse me.” Noah wasn’t sure which man he was saying it to. He got up and made a beeline toward the exit.

* * * *

Ryker stepped out of the side door of Fearless Fox at closing time, the hairs on his body instantly rising.

The temperature had dropped since he’d arrived but was still comfortable enough.

Killian stepped out of the side door not too long after him. From his brother’s stance, he felt it too.

“Just wait until the humans clear out,” Ryker said under his breath as they stood there. It wasn’t necessary to speak any louder with their heightened senses.

A threat was somewhere close. Not only had his hairs risen, but his bear was softly growling.

Killian strode leisurely to his motorcycle, acting as if he was unaware of any problems. Ryker did the same.

“You know damn well I kicked your ass the last game,” Ryker stated. It wasn’t a performance. Things had gotten heated between him and his brother. Two large wolf shifters had inserted themselves to stop things from getting too out of hand.

“You cheated.” Killian jabbed a finger in Ryker’s direction with a growl. “I saw you bump the table to make the ball roll that last inch to drop into the side pocket.”

“I didn’t bump the goddamn table!” Ryker forced himself not to close the distance. Not to knock the shit out of his brother for calling him a cheater and a liar.

Killian gave a slight nod.

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