Total pages in book: 116
Estimated words: 109853 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 549(@200wpm)___ 439(@250wpm)___ 366(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 109853 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 549(@200wpm)___ 439(@250wpm)___ 366(@300wpm)
She’d bumped into them once shortly after she and Vance broke up. Layla had clung to him, sending her smug looks. He’d been civil yet stiff toward Frankie, eager to get away. The next day he’d called Frankie to apologize for being unfriendly, explained that he just hadn’t wanted to “set Layla off.”
Today, well, Layla was too busy staring at Trick to care about sending superior looks at Frankie. And her wolf did not like the female appreciation in Layla’s eyes whatsoever. Vance’s gaze, hard and unreadable, danced from Trick to Frankie.
It was Trick who broke the awkward silence. “There a problem here?”
Layla almost jolted. “No, not at all. Frankie’s decided to be rude, so I’ll introduce us. I’m Layla, and this is Vance. We’re . . . distant friends of Frankie’s.”
Unconvinced, Trick drawled, “Right.” He could sense his mate’s discomfort, just as he could sense that there had once been something between her and Vance. It was clear to see in the way the human male looked at her with an intimate familiarity—something that pissed Trick the fuck off. It was also clear by Vance’s pinched expression and tight muscles that he didn’t like seeing Frankie with another male. Tough fucking shit.
Anger flashed through his wolf, who urged Trick to rake his claws down the human’s chest and warn him away from his mate. It was an idea he’d consider.
Layla’s eyes narrowed a little. “I know you.”
Trick tensed. “No, you don’t.” And he was done here. He arched a brow at Frankie. “Ready, baby?”
Layla clicked her fingers. “Wait, you’re the shifter from that YouTube video—you helped that girl. It was so sweet and brave of you to intervene like that.” Her eyes cut to Frankie. “Well, it’s good to see you’re moving on.”
Frankie almost snorted. Yeah? Layla didn’t really seem happy for her at all. Her eyes had been all dreamy and covetous when they’d stared at Trick. Once they sliced to Frankie, they’d darkened in envy and resentment. Layla had loved the idea that she had the guy Frankie wanted, loved that she’d “won.” Seeing Frankie with a male who was a billion times hotter than Vance apparently ticked her off. Good.
“Your grandparents didn’t mention that you were dating someone,” Vance said to Frankie, his voice flat. “I’m guessing they don’t know about him.”
“Not liking how close you’re standing to Frankie,” said Trick, glaring hard at him.
Vance’s brows snapped together and he blinked, as if he only then realized that he’d taken a step toward her. He backed up and moved aside to let them pass, pulling an irritated Layla out of the way.
Trick turned to Frankie. “Let’s go, baby.” As they strode off, Trick raised a brow. “So that asshole’s an ex of yours?”
Frankie sighed. “Sadly, yes. Layla was his ex. He ran back to her, but she hates me.”
“He doesn’t hate you. He’s pissed that you’re with me. I’m thinking he’ll make it his business to be sure your grandparents know that you were on a date with a shifter.”
“I wish I could disagree with you.”
“Well, we’re not going to think about them,” Trick declared. “We’re going to watch this movie, enjoy it, and stuff our faces with popcorn.”
Frankie’s mouth curved. “Your plan has merit.”
After they’d had their tickets checked, they were directed to the theater. Soon they were heading down the dimly lit hallway and into the dark theater. As they climbed up the carpeted stairs, she noticed that there weren’t many people there.
Trick led her down the empty row at the very top. “I always sit at the back so I don’t have to deal with people kicking the back of my chair.”
“And here was me thinking you’d done it so we could make out in peace.” Her wolf liked his somewhat devilish chuckle. Sitting down, Frankie placed her soda in the cup holder and settled the extra-large popcorn on her lap. Curtains hung on either side of the big screen that was currently displaying overly loud previews. Still, she could hear people talking and munching on popcorn and nachos.
Trick’s cell glowed in the dark as he took it out of his pocket to switch it off. “So tell me, what do you wear for bed?”
A chuckle burst out of her. “What?”
He shrugged. “It’s a simple question. What do you wear for bed?”
Frankie delved into her popcorn. “Who says I wear anything?” She couldn’t help smiling at the low growl that rumbled out of him.
“Such a tease.” Since they were sharing the popcorn, he grabbed some and chucked it into his mouth. “But that’s okay, because so am I.” It was both a warning and a promise.
As they watched the movie, he massaged her free hand—the same one that often seized up. It might have relaxed her if he didn’t occasionally nip at her fingers or rake his teeth down her palm.