I pressed my hand over my mouth to stifle my laugh as I glanced over at Wilder. He looked seconds away from killing his entire team. “I should be offended by that, I think.”
Ezra stretched, showing off his muscular arms. He was cute and charming, but he didn’t give me butterflies. I hoped he found someone soon. He’d make a great partner.
“Nah, it’s all in good fun. But seriously, make him wait for two more days. It’s good for him.”
“What makes you think he’s even interested in me?” It didn’t sound like Wilder was chatting about romance at the fire station.
Ezra snorted. “I’m very smart, Lucy. The signs might have been subtle—how he guarded the cookies you brought with his life, how he’s taken time off for the first time since he started so he could do things for you, how he almost beat me up when I mentioned your name…”
A throat cleared, and Ezra’s smile widened. “Subtle, subtle hints.” Wilder stood behind him with his crossed arms and a menacing expression on his face.
“Time’s up,” he snarled.
Ezra leaned back in his chair, the picture of ease. “I haven’t heard the gong.”
Wilder’s scowl deepened and he waved at Leo, who immediately clocked what was happening and rang the gong.
“Now fucking move.”
I shivered at the command in his tone, but Ezra was unaffected. He locked eyes with me, smiling widely as he grasped my hand and kissed it.
Wilder shoved him out of his chair.
“That was rude,” I scolded. “Are you okay, Ezra?”
Wilder gripped my chin. “You don’t look at him. You look at me.”
“Don’t worry about me, Lucy. I’ll survive.” Ezra grinned as he sat down in the next seat. The alpha who was supposed to take the spot in front of me started to say something, but at Wilder’s expression, he fled across the room.
“I didn’t know the hosts of speed dating also participated.” I tried to sound stern, but in reality, I was melting on the inside at my alpha’s show of possessiveness.
“I’m not participating,” he said, sounding distinctly disgruntled. “I’m just preventing these assholes from getting any ideas.”
I grinned. “And what ideas are those?”
He leaned forward, his scent washing over me, all wild and earthy and hypnotizing. “That they have any chance with you.”
I shivered at his dominance. My omega wanted him to throw me over his shoulder and carry me away from here to ravage me. Butinstead of begging him to do just that, I forced myself to lean back in my chair, creating space between us. I’d already forgiven the guys for craft night, but the vindictive part of me wanted to draw out his suffering just atinybit more.
I looked around. “Don’t they? There are a lot of attractive options…”
Wilder’s growl was partly obscured by the loud ring of the gong. I glanced to my right to see who my next partner was and laughed when I saw King blocking the way. Aggression rolled off him in waves, turning his scent bitter, and it made me feel…secure. Cared for. My exes’ jealousy never felt like this. If we went out and they thought someone was looking at me, I was the one who got the blame.
Of course they’re looking. You look like a slut in that skirt.
How had I ever thought the way they spoke to me was okay? It started with sly “jokes” and passive-aggressive comments that left me feeling confused and guilty. I’d carried around shame that I had done something wrong for so long, but Wilder’s and King’s current scowls didn’t make me feel that way at all. Instead, I was bubbling with happiness and feeling distinctlywanted.
Wilder leaned over the table and kissed my forehead before letting King take his seat.
“Hi, Daddy,” I said.
Ezra guffawed from two spots down the table, and King’s eyes darkened.
“Are you having fun, baby girl?”
“Yeah, I am.”
A heartbreaking smile spread across his face as he leaned forward. “Good. Have your fun now, because you’ll be paying for it later. We’re all going home together after this.” When I didn’t respond, he arched an eyebrow. “Sayyes, Daddy.”
