Page 41 of Chaos Claimed

Though Diablo couldn’t quite remember why as he became lost in eyes the color of summer leaves. The cashier’s lips moved, and Diablo realized he was attempting to repeat the Spanish phrase.

“Muy bueno, rojo,” he repeated slowly, giving Brett a chance to grasp them. “It means very good, red.”

“Muy bueno,” Brett echoed. “I enjoy learning new things.”

Aw, hell. Why had he said that? The male was practically begging to get fucked. “I could teach you many things, cariño.”

Nothing that could be done legally in public.

Brett snatched a scrap of paper and scribbled something on it before passing it over. His phone number.

“I’d really like to learn a new language.” His cheeks were turning an even deeper shade of red.

Diablo slipped the paper into his pocket. “Bolígrafos. Pens.”

Brett echoed the word, making Diablo chuckle. “I actually meant, could you ring them up?”

“Oh!” As Brett counted them out, Diablo studied the male, betting he would be fire in bed. He was definitely going to find out.

After making his purchase, he beckoned with a finger. Brett inhaled sharply and leaned in closer. An eager little fox.

“Te enseñaré tantas cosas traviesas, hermoso,” he murmured. I’ll teach you so many naughty things, beautiful.

“What does that mean?” Brett asked softly.

“I’ll tell you when we meet again,” Diablo replied with a wink, then left the gift shop, casting a glance back to see Brett admiring his ass.

Oh yeah, he was going to have so much fun with the human.

* * * *

On the way home, Percy and Santiago stopped at the local Chinese takeout. Noodles and shrimp rolls sounded perfect. Two of Percy’s favorite things to eat.

As Santiago drove his pickup, Percy glanced at the huge box of glitter pens on the floor between his feet. He had no clue what he was going to do with thirty freaking pens. Admittedly, they were pretty, but thirty? His supply would outlast him.

At least he had stocking stuffers and party favors. Now all he had to do was throw his first party. Glitter-themed, of course.

It was the only way to get rid of all those damn pens. Maybe he could shove half of them in Elijah’s pocket.

They pulled into the shopping center parking lot in front of the strip mall and parked. As soon as they walked in, Percy inhaled deeply. He didn’t come here often, or else he’d end up eating nothing but noodles and shrimp rolls all the time.

“I gotta hit the head,” Santiago said. Then he studied Percy. “Don’t wanna leave you out here alone.”

Percy snorted. “And I’m not gonna stand by a urinal while you empty your bladder.” He waved his hand around. “No one is in here. I’ll be fine.”

And he could munch on some shrimp chips without looking like a pig in front of his mate.

Santiago headed toward the restroom, leaving Percy alone in the small lobby. He grabbed a handful of shrimp chips from the bowl on the counter and popped one in his mouth, savoring the salty crunch. The restaurant was unusually quiet, with only the distant sizzle of cooking oil and the occasional clatter of pots and pans breaking the silence.

Percy wandered over to the menu board, studying the various combo options even though he always ordered the same thing.

Suddenly, the lights flickered and dimmed. Percy glanced up, frowning. The fluorescent bulbs made a weird buzzing sound before plunging the restaurant into complete darkness.

“Hello?” Percy called out, his voice barely cutting through the dark. “Santiago?”

No response. Just an eerie, unnatural stillness. Even the kitchen had grown quiet.

Percy fumbled for his phone, hands shaking as he turned on the flashlight.

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