“I thought the no was implied, but I guess he thought I was inviting him here.”
Erik pinched the bridge of his nose. “Well, shit.” There’d be no getting rid of him now. He looked at Chloe, who was watching them with interest. “Feel like company?”
She pointed to the screen. “They’re friends of yours?”
“They’re family.”
Chloe’s smile was beaming. “Then I definitely want company.”
Chapter Fourteen
The first man throughher door was so tall he had to duck to enter. He was also so broad across the shoulders that she was surprised he didn’t have to turn sideways. Dark hair cut military short, just like Erik’s, and brown eyes that swept over her appraisingly before he gave her a wide grin. He had fangs, too.
“Chloe Powell,” he said in a deep voice. “I’m Kong.” Moving aside so the others could get through, he began introducing them one by one.
“My wife, Katherine.”
A dark-haired, curvy woman with a smile bright enough to match her husband’s came forward to shake Chloe’s hand. “It’s so nice to meet you. Thank you for having us.”
“This is Jace, and his wife, Paige.”
Another man with dark hair cut military short. She didn’t know if he had fangs since he offered her a closed-lip smile, but his eyes were a vivid yellow she’d never seen on a person before. He nodded in greeting, while his wife, an attractive blonde, waved and offered a quiet, “Hi.”
“And this is Leo.”
Now, Leo was a surprise. Unlike the other men with their short hair, he had long, thick, golden-blond hair that resembled a mane, and that, paired with his golden eyes, gave him a lion-like appearance. He grinned at her – another one with fangs – as he prowled toward her. Passing off the cooler he’d been carrying, he took Chloe’s hand. He didn’t shake it so much as hold it, as his eyes roamed over her face with appreciation. “Hey. Do you like cats?”
“Ah, yes.”
“Perfect,” he said, rolling the R so it sounded like a purr.
“Leo,” Erik bit out from beside her.
“What?” The man’s expression was pure innocence. “I was just asking a question. Getting to know our lovely host.” He looked from Erik to her and then back again before his smile widened. “Oh, I get it.” His golden eyes landed on her. “Got any single friends?”
Kong’s big hand landed on the back of Leo’s neck. “Stop it before we get kicked out. We talked about this. Best behavior. Remember?”
“How was I misbehaving?”
“By being you.” Kong grinned at Chloe again. “We brought our own drinks.” He waved to the cooler Leo had passed to Jace. “And ordered pizzas, so you don’t have to worry about feeding us. They should be here soon.”
“Oh. Okay. Ah. Well, it’s nice to meet everyone. Make yourselves at home.”
Everyone moved into the living room, taking a seat where they could and talking animatedly. Only Erik and Chloe were still standing. Chloe had always considered her place pretty roomy for a one-bedroom, but with so many big men in the space, it now felt tiny and cramped.
Jayla was asking Kong where the others were, and it was a relief when he listed off missions and guard duty for the reason behind their absence. While she’d love to meet all of Erik’s family, Chloe didn’t think any more people would fit comfortably.
“Are you okay?” Erik quietly asked. “Say the word, and they’re gone.”
She took his hand, stealing a moment to touch him again. “I’m fine.” This was just the sort of distraction from her troubles she needed, and besides, she wanted to see how Erik interacted with his family. “But it’s sweet of you to offer.” Not even thinking much about it, she rose on her tiptoes and pecked Erik’s lips with hers.
The buzz of conversation immediately halted, and all eyes were suddenly on them with smiles ranging from knowing smirks to bright and beaming.
Cheeks hot with embarrassment, she looked at Erik to see his reaction. There was a hint of color to his unscarred cheek, but there was also just the slightest curve to his lips, before he asked the room, “What games did you bring?”
“Oh, no, no, no,” Kong said, grinning widely. “When did this happen? I need details.”
“Kong,” his wife chastised, shaking her head as she placed a hand on her husband’s arm. “Don’t embarrass them.”
