Page 164 of Captivated

Zeeb’s fork clanged against his plate.

“Oh, nowthatgot a reaction.” Walt nudged Matt. “Good to know the limit.”

Butch leaned over to Paul and said in a loud stage whisper, “All those nights they spent together in Nate’s cabin and theystillhaven’t gotten it on? I call that unnatural.”

“I can hear you,” Zeeb said through gritted teeth.

“Wewantyou to,” Butch said in a voice of pure sweetness.

“And how doyouknow what goes on at the cabin? You install cameras when we weren’t looking?”

“Sweet cheeks, all a man has to do is look at you two to know there ain’tnothinggoin’ on.”

Sol laid a hand on Butch’s arm, and Butch stilled.

Zeeb snuck a glance at Nate to see how he was dealing with all this happy horse shit. He seemed like a deer caught between headlights and a truth bomb, gripping the edge of the table.

“Tell me, Nate.” Walt sprawled in his chair. “You ever see our Zeeb here lasso a steer?”

Nate shook his head.

“Pity. What he can’t do with a rope isn’t worth knowing.” He cocked his head. “You good with rope?”

“Oh my God,” Paul muttered under his breath. He took a quick drink of his beer, hiding a smirk.

Nate blinked. “I wouldn’t know. I’ve never tried.”

Walt winked. “But I bet you could have Zeeb in knots in a heartbeat. I bet he looks pretty as a picture all tied up.”

Zeeb clenched his fist under the table.

Someone was close to death. Several someones.

Nate had the feeling he was the main attraction in a play. Only thing was, he hadn’t read the script.

Teague raised his beer and glanced at Butch. “I give it five seconds.”

“Until what?” Nate demanded.

“Until Zeeb implodes,” Butch said with a snicker.

“What the hell are you all—?” Nate turned his head.

Zeeb’s face was flushed, his shoulders tense, his brows scrunched up.

Oh God.

Zeeb looked Walt in the eye. “Walt.”

“Zeeb.” Walt flashed him a smile. “You want something?” His gaze flickered in Nate’s direction. “Apart from the obvious. And who wouldn’t? I mean, look at him.”

Zeeb set his jaw. “You done?”

Walt’s expression was sheer wide-eyed innocence. “Just appreciating our guest.”

Zeeb’s gaze didn’t leave his. “You appreciate anyone with a pulse and a decent ass.”

“And yet you’ve never minded before.”

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