Page 8 of Pretty Little Kitty

“He wants you back by dinner.” Jared glanced back at the house, feeling his heart sink at just how controlled Kia’s life truly was. “Need me to come get you?”

“You’d cross into wolf territory for me?”

“Insanity clearly runs in our family,” he replied. “I just lied to save your skin, so I’m involved now. Since I value my life, you need to get your skinny little ass home.”

Jared hurried down the street, heading straight for his house to get his car—a very old sedan that was just a few rusted parts away from being scrapped. He had to leave the driver’s window slightly open to reach in and unlock the door since the handle had fallen off months ago, and he still couldn’t recall where he’d misplaced it.

Every time he needed to get out of the car, he had to ram his arm against the door while pulling the inside handle at the same time.

But it was all he could afford right now. Jobs were hard to come by, and Jared was currently between gigs.

Fortunately, his mom always helped out with gas money when he asked.

“Take Bishop Road,” Kia instructed. “Meet me in front of Carver’s Hardware.”

“Because I totally know where that is.” He had never been to Blackthorn before. He needed his alpha’s approval, but since Xavier wasn’t supposed to know his wayward nephew had snuck past the border line, Jared was about to do something incredibly stupid.

Sneak into wolf territory to grab his idiot cousin and hopefully avoid sparking a war.

Chapter Three

With a silent curse, Kia slipped his phone back into his pocket. All he’d wanted was a chance to talk with Suero, possibly be forgiven, and maybe spend some time together.

This was exactly why he knew there was no hope for a relationship with the wolf. Xavier’s leash was too tight.

The only way he could explore his feelings for Suero was if the guy were a cheetah. Since that wasn’t a possibility, Kia needed to let go and move on because Xavier would never allow Kia to date a wolf.

“I’m guessing your uncle found out you weren’t home,” Suero said, draining the small pot of pasta while watching him. “I’m also going to assume he has no clue where you are right now.”

“You know he doesn’t.” Kia glanced at the steam rising from the sink where the colander sat. “He would’ve called Matias to clear my way, which he’d never do. And judging by your alpha’s reaction, I’m not exactly welcome here. Now do you see my point?”

Though he was unsure where things were heading with Suero, it was unfair he wasn’t even given the chance to find out. His uncle’s hatred of wolves and his tight grip on Kia made it impossible, and Matias wasn’t making things any easier either.

“I’m not saying what I did was right,” he went on. “Shutting you out was cowardly move, and I take full responsibility for what I did—or didn’t do. But… Damn it.” Tears pricked at his eyes. He hated how easily he cried when he was furious, but this time he didn’t even try to hold them back.

Suero stepped closer then gazed down at him before he gently wiped away a stray tear. “What’re you trying to say, gatito?”

Kia clenched his fists at his sides, ignoring his growling stomach. His cat purred at the touch as he met Suero’s mocha gaze. “We should at least have the freedom to explore whatever’s happening between us,” he said.

His thumb traced Kia’s cheek with an intimate tenderness. “What exactly is happening between us, cariño?” he murmured, his voice a husky whisper.

A wave of heat surged through Kia as the ceiling fan pushed around warm air. Suero’s gaze lingered on his lips, making Kia’s heart race.

“I have to go,” he whispered, the tension between them thick and tangible, but neither looked away. A long, heavy silence settled, brimming with so much longing.

Kia’s heart hammered, a sheen of sweat forming on his skin. He tilted his head back slightly, struggling to stay calm, hiding just how much Suero’s presence unraveled him.

Swallowing, he silently begged for the guy to finally kiss him. Suero searched his eyes, as if seeking permission.

For a moment, he feared Suero wouldn’t. The look in his eyes made Kia nervous.

Then Suero leaned in, knuckles grazing Kia’s cheek. “I want to kiss you,” he murmured, voice low and rough.

“Then kiss me.”

His breath hitched as Suero’s lips grazed against his, a gentle tease that left Kia yearning for more.

When Suero kissed him again, it was no longer tentative. It was filled with hunger, with whatever had been building between them. His hand traveled up Kia’s neck, fingers entwining in his hair, drawing him deeper into the kiss.

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