Page 26 of Pretty Little Kitty

“So knocking me into the grass was your solution?”

“I just gave you a little nudge,” Suero defended.

“You’re twice my size. A ‘little nudge’ from you is like a hurricane nudging a butterfly.” Kia held his glare, but the corner of his mouth twitched. “I hate how cocky you are.”

“You love it,” Suero teased.

“You’re delusional.”

“Mm-hm.”

“You’ve got the emotional range of a concussion grenade,” Kia said, voice steady despite his pounding heart.

A quiet moment passed before Suero’s gaze flicked to him. “And you’re still walking next to me.” His expression was neither smug nor proud, just... steady.

“I keep thinking he’s gonna show up,” Kia admitted, voice soft but bitter. “Like he’s just waiting around a corner.”

“He’s a man trying to control you.”

Kia didn’t respond. What could he say when Suero had just spoken the blunt truth?

They walked in silence for almost a full block. Just the sound of their shoes against pavement with each step. A light breeze brought the sharp scent of exhaust from a passing truck, mingling with the sweet aroma of blooming flowers from a nearby garden. Kia was glad he was sharing this peaceful moment with his wolf.

Suero reached out—just a brief brush of fingers against Kia’s hand. He didn’t grab. He didn’t squeeze. Simply let it rest there for half a second. Suero didn’t try to fill the silence either. He gave Kia space to work through the mess inside his head.

“People like him don’t understand boundaries.” Kia blew out a breath. His fingers fidgeted at his sides, curling into fists. “They understand consequences.”

“How did he take it when you explained your feelings to him?” he asked, tucking a few strands of hair behind Kia’s ear.

Kia averted his eyes.

“Wait, you’ve never told him?” Suero took a step forward, not touching him, just close enough to invade that last little inch of personal space. “Gatito—”

“Don’t.” Kia hugged himself. “Nobody gets the situation. My mom was Xavier’s sister.”

“Was?”

Kia told him about losing his parents when he was just a small kitten. “Xavier raised me, Suero. I’m the last connection to his beloved sister.”

There were times when he thought it was the only reason Xavier had taken him in. But Kia knew his uncle truly cared about him. He just wished Xavier wasn’t so controlling.

“Parents or guardians don’t raise kids because they’re looking for something in return,” Suero said. “It’s what they’re supposed to do, Kia. Just because Xavier took on that role doesn’t mean he gets to control you now that you’re an adult. I grew up with a dad who couldn’t find his emotions with a map and a flashlight. Do you know the impact that had on me?”

Kia shook his head, unsure he wanted to know where this was going.

With a bitter chuckle, Suero ran a hand through his hair. “Throw me into battle, and I’ll crush my opponent. But put me in front of a maternal figure, and I turn into a needy puppy craving attention. It’s pathetic.”

“It’s not pathetic.” He moved closer, brushing his hand down Suero’s arm. “I was really young when my parents passed away, and even though I don’t remember my mom, I sometimes find myself imagining what she’d be like if she were still here.” He grinned, attempting to lighten the moment. “Weren’t we headed to your place?”

Suero’s tall, broad frame towered over Kia’s smaller one, but there was a tenderness in his eyes as Suero gazed at him. “Yep.”

Just a block later, Kia’s mouth began to water as the aroma of spicy tacos and grilled meat wafted from a vibrant food truck.

“If I recall, you’ve only eaten a bowl of mac and cheese today.” Suero took Kia’s hand and guided him toward the food truck. The sizzling sounds and enticing smells made Kia’s stomach rumble with anticipation.

They looked over the menu to their left, featuring tempting images of tacos and grilled meats. Suero wrapped his arms around Kia from behind, resting his chin on his shoulder. “Order anything you want. It’s on me.”

“Does this count as our third date?” Kia teased, glancing at him.

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