I look around as subtly as I can, but there are only friendly faces I’ve gotten used to from working at the diner. There’s no angry ex-husband looking to drag me back to Oregon or finish what he started when the fire he set didn’t kill me.
I walk toward the diner with Elias. He has his arm wrapped around my shoulder and stops to dip his head to mine just before we reach the front door, brushing a lingering kiss on my lips. Angling his head, he presses a kiss on my throat, right over my pulse.
My heart hitches, and I stop caring we’re on the street. I stop caring about anything but the need for him to do it again. A not-so-small part of me wants him to bite. Tilting my head back, I hope he gets the message because if I open my mouth, I’m pretty sure I’ll start begging. His lips kick into a smile, and he repeats the heart-stopping kiss over my pulse that shoots right to my core.
He drags in a breath, as if inhaling the scent of my skin, and releases a soft groan, warm air kissing my throat. Then he turns his head to whisper in my ear. “Baby, I can smell what those kisses are doing to you. If we don’t stop this, we’re not walking into this diner. I’m walking you back to my truck, and there is no guarantee we’ll make it home before I lift up your skirt.”
My heart pounds and I’m breathless as I remember where we are.
Inpublic.
Cheeks hot, I move to open the diner door, but he beats me to it. If I’d seen a couple tucked up this close on the street, literally nuzzling each other, I’d have thought they’d spent the night together and pried themselves out of bed to go feed themselves before promptly returning home for more sex.
It was just a message to Derek, if he’s still around watching. That’s all it was,I tell myself. But the possessive arm Elias wraps around my shoulder, tucking my body so close to his, our thighs brush with each step, says this is something a little more intense than pretend.
We walk into the diner, into the familiar sweet-and-savory smells of pies and burgers.
No one who sees the way Wyatt, Knox, and Hunter greet me would be in any doubt that we were sleeping together.
They were waiting at a booth as Elias and I stepped inside, their gazes appreciative as they scanned me. All got up as weapproached and gave me a lingering kiss and hug in full view of everyone before I sat down, my cheeks hot, and my panties wet.
“Everyone is going to think we’re sleeping together,” I whisper, wanting to hide my red face from all the curious glances we attracted from the neighboring tables.
The glass cabinet is empty of pie, and all the tables are full of people demolishing their fries and large sandwiches.
Hunter winks at me. “Is that such a bad thing?”
Still blushing, I’m saved from having to respond when Lina appears at our booth with a surprised smile. “Hey,I didn’t know you were coming in.”
“Hey, Lina. Elias suggested lunch.” I’d get up and hug her, but I’m pinned in the middle of a booth full of alphas, and none of them are showing any signs of moving.
She grins at me. “Well, it’s so good to see you. Dad told me what happened, and I can’t believe someone would torch your car and apartment.”
Shit. I didn’t think about what to tell her. Naturally, she’d be curious who would. “Yeah, it was crazy,” I say vaguely.
“And she’s staying with us,” Wyatt says, far louder than he needs to with Lina standing literally inches away.
“We’re taking care ofallher needs,” Elias adds, joining our fingers and lifting my hand to brush a kiss across my knuckles.
This is all just a pretense to scare off Derek.
Lina hums, and her eyes sparkle. “Yep. Heard that too. Must be nice.”
I blush. “You’remarried.”
She pulls her notebook from her apron pocket. “Yes, I’m married to a nice, handsome man I love to death. But a girl can dream about living with four hot alphas taking care of all her needs, okay?”
A few women at the neighboring tables grin, and my face heats at how many people overheard.
That’s the point.The more people who see us together, the more they’ll talk, and once Derek learns I’m not on my own and easy prey, he’ll leave if he hasn’t already.
“I’m just glad that Wyatt got me out of there.” I glance around the full diner. “Nico said to take a day off, but I’m not sure if he wants me back tomorrow. Is he here?”
“Take your time coming back,” Lina says firmly. “Winston is fine in the kitchen. He’s been wanting more hours anyway, so it suits him, and Dad steps in to help with the tables when it gets too crazy. We’re fine.”
Another thought hits me.How am I supposed to get to work now?I’m no longer a ten-minute walk away. With my car a write-off, I’d be relying on Elias, Hunter, Knox, and Wyatt to drive me to and from work. That isn’t fair when they’ve given me a place to stay.
“Do you know anyone selling a used car?” I ask Lina.
