Page 16 of Untamed

I look at my best friend, exhaling a weary breath. “He’s so sweet to me…” I start, then trail off. How do I even begin to explain that I don’t feel that way toward him without sounding like a bitch. Nova would never judge me, I know that, but still…

“But?” Nova presses, her voice insistent.

Sighing, I mull it over in my head as I try to form the words carefully. “I don’t see him as anything more than a friend. I’ve known him my whole life, Nova. Yeah, I made the mistake of kissing him when he came to visit me in Georgia with Mav, but I told him right after that it shouldn’t have happened. In his mind, though, he probably thinks he can change my mind, win me over. But he won’t. No matter how hard he tries or pushes me into these situations. I just wish he’d realize that, without me having to spell it out for him.”

Nova reaches out, taking my free hand and flashing me a pitying smile. “I know it’s not in your nature to be harsh, but you’re going to have to be really firm with him. If you don’t, I have a feeling he’ll just keep holding onto this delusion that he will be with you. That man isseriouslyin love with you. It’s written all over his face and in the way he makes those googly eyes at you. It's honestly a little cringey. Like the boy literally follows you around like a lovesick puppy.”

Reaching up with my free hand, I rub at my temple, hoping to alleviate some of the tension that’s now building in my head, but it’s no use. “Ugh, why do things have to be so complicated and hard?”

“What’s hard?” My brother's voice suddenly interrupts our conversation. My head snaps up to find him and Brandon standing there, both watching me expectantly.

I freeze, before blurting the first thing that comes to mind. “The fries.”

Maverick laughs, placing the drinks in his hands down on the table and sliding into the booth. I look at Brandon. He’s watching me closely, a slither of suspicion in his eyes before he blinks it away.

“Well, they’ve been sitting on the table for over an hour, Mila,” Brandon drawls, amusement lacing his tone, as he places my soda down and takes the seat beside me.

I force a laugh, grabbing my drink, and pulling the straw into my mouth, mumbling around it. “I know.”

“Hey, there’s Colter.” Nova’s comment has me jerking my head up so quickly, that I wouldn’t be surprised if I gave myself whiplash. Following her gaze, I spot Colter dropping his firm ass down on one of the bar stools. I’ve been avoiding him since that night in the loft, in fear of doing something stupid that might cost him his job. “Colter?” Nova hollers, trying to get his attention before anyone can stop her.

“Nah, leave him. I’ve had enough of that grumpy asshole for one day,” Brandon mutters, glaring in the direction Colter sits before taking a sip of his beer.

Colter glances over his shoulder, his perpetual scowl firmly in place.

“Grumpy or not, he is the fucking hottest man in this place,” Nova throws back, waving at Colter with hearts in her eyes.

A surge of irrational jealousy slithers through my veins, and I swear if you cut me open right now, my blood would be green. I want to say something, anything, but my brother beats me to it.

“Don’t fucking look at him,” Maverick growls, the anger on his face evident. My brows jump in confusion, not just at his words but also at hints of possession in his tone. My gaze shifts between them, trying to figure out if I’m missing something here.

Nova glances at him, a devious smirk appearing on her pretty face. I frown. Did I read their relationship wrong? Surely not. They are always at each other’s throats. But now, as I watch them closely, I can’t help but wonder if there’s more going on. Don’t they say there’s a fine line between love and hate? Maybe that line is blurring? It’s gross, something I really don’t want to think about, but I wouldn’t begrudge them if they wanted to be together. Maverick has always had my back with these kinds of things, the proof being how he handled my situation with Brandon. Once again, I am probably getting ahead of myself, and maybe it’s nothing serious. Just a case of getting each other out of their systems. Still, there’s definitely something going on here. I make a mental note to speak to Nova about it once we’re alone.

“Fuck. He’s coming over,” Brandon groans, and I shift my gaze to see Colter striding toward us.

When I find his eyes already on mine, my breathing shallows, and heat floods my body. I feel rather than see Brandon’s gaze shift to me, the heat of his stare burning the side of my face. I know with certainty that he’s aware Colter is watching me. It’s confirmed when he eliminates the space between us and throws his arm over my shoulder, in a move that can only be interpreted as a possessive. Colter’s nostrils flare, his jaw tightening as his gaze narrows on Brandon’s arm.

Snapping out of my Colter induced trance, I look up at Brandon, annoyance boiling inside me. “What are you doing?” I hiss.

He pulls me closer, pressing a kiss to my temple before I can react. My blood turns to ice in my veins, anger rising within me.

“I don’t like the way he’s looking at you,” he growls quietly, for only me to hear. I want to respond, tell him to back off, but Colter steps up to the booth stopping me.

“Grady,” Maverick greets him by his last name, with a sharp jerk of his head.

Instead of speaking, Colter grunts his greeting, his piercing eyes flicking back to me. Unease coils in my stomach as his gaze roams over me. Why is he being so obvious, and in front of my brother no less. Wanting to break the tension, I shove Brandon off me, scooting back until my back hits the wooden panel of the booth.

Brandon reaches for me again, but I shoot him a warning look. His face falls, evident dejection crossing his face, making him look exactly like the lovesick puppy Nova just described. Guilt hits me, and for a second I want to apologize, pull him into a hug to ease his hurt. But then I remember, showing him affection will only make things worse.

“Sit with us,” Nova chirps, breaking through the thick air surrounding the booth.

Colter briefly glances at her. My heart flutters, while my breaths turn a little ragged and then he does something I never expected.

He slides into the red vinyl seat next to my brother.

Chapter Fourteen

COLTER

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