Page 9 of Tangled in Red

“Your shoulder bothering you?” he asked when Brett shifted in his seat, adjusting his position with a barely-concealed wince.

“Nothing serious.” His gaze dropped to his empty plate. “Gets achy sometimes.”

As much as it went against his nature not to push for the truth, Diablo held back, even though he knew there was more to it. He stacked their trash onto the trays, brushing off Brett’s offer to help.

“Ready to head out?” he asked, chucking their garbage in the nearby bin before setting the trays on the counter.

Brett nodded, though he seemed a bit hesitant. “Yeah, I should probably...”

“Get home?” Diablo supplied when he trailed off.

“Something like that.”

The ride back was quieter. Diablo took the long way, weaving through side streets rather than taking the direct route. Brett didn’t seem to mind, arms wrapped firmly around Diablo’s waist, face pressed between his shoulder blades.

At each stoplight, he found himself covering Brett’s hands with his own, feeling the smaller man’s fingers flex beneath his touch.

Diablo was used to riding solo. For him, the back of his bike was sacred, reserved only for his elegido. That’s how a lot of his pack felt.

But his pajarito felt right sitting back there, like he was born to ride at Diablo’s back, hugging him like he mattered. Could his wolf even choose a mate now that it was trapped inside of him? Would it choose the beautiful redhead who made Diablo’s pulse race whenever he heard him speak?

All too soon they were pulling into the hospital parking lot, security lights already shining brightly over the row of cars. He slowed then stopped next to the car Brett pointed out. An older model hatchback that looked in much better shape than Jared’s metal-hanger, duct-taped Civic. Still, Diablo noticed a few spots where the maroon paint had chipped around the edges of small dents.

Maybe he would take care of those for Brett before they became worse.

The silence felt weighted as Brett slid off the bike, hair windblown and cheeks flushed. He appeared thoroughly debauched despite having done nothing more than ride a motorcycle. Would he look that wrecked after a night in Diablo’s bed? He was dying to see that flush span every inch of Brett’s slim body.

“Thanks for dinner,” Brett said, his fingers fidgeting with his keys. “And the ride. Both were amazing.” His blush made an appearance. “So was your company.”

“Anytime.” Diablo swung his leg over the bike, his boot hitting asphalt with a solid thud. He towered over the male, who tilted his head back to maintain eye contact.

“And for not killing me on this death machine.”

“Death machine?” Diablo feigned disbelief. “She’s a lady. Show some respect.”

“A very loud lady,” Brett teased.

“The best ones are.”

Brett fumbled with his keys, dropping them twice before managing to get a good grip on them. His hands trembled slightly.

“So…” Brett drew the word out, rocking on his heels a bit.

“So,” Diablo echoed, stepping closer until they were just a foot apart. He tucked his knuckles under Brett’s chin, tracing the pad of his thumb over soft skin. “Been wanting to do this since those damn glitter pens.”

“What’s stopping you?” Brett swallowed hard, his eyes widening as he leaned into the touch.

Nothing. Not a damn thing anymore.

Their lips met halfway, Brett standing on his toes as Diablo leaned down. The kiss was slow and exploring, a gentle meeting of mouths. Brett tasted like cola and salt, sweet and addictive. His soft lips pressed eagerly against Diablo’s.

Brett let out a soft, content sound, kinda like a mix between a sigh and a purr. His hands found Diablo’s chest, fingers clutching the fabric of his shirt like an anchor.

Diablo couldn’t hold back the low growl that rumbled in response, primal and possessive. Hold on to me for as long as you need. His hand slid up to cradle Brett’s head, his fingers threading through soft, copper strands as the kiss deepened, Brett’s mouth searing against his. Diablo had never gotten this hard over a kiss, but the constant noises Brett made turned him on something fierce.

When headlights washed over them, they finally pulled apart, but Diablo dipped his head to steal a quick kiss, gently pulling at Brett’s bottom lip with his teeth, licking away the sting. “I could kiss you all night, beautiful.”

Brett looked dreamily up at him, lips kiss-swollen, eyes half-lidded. Those sensual green eyes held something like wonder mixed with hunger.

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