Page 26 of Tangled in Red

Brett was at a loss, unsure how to react to that look. “Muy bien, cariño,” he replied, his voice teetering between effort and awkwardness.

Diablo’s eyes twinkled, his smile widening. “Hermoso e inteligente.”

“Beautiful and intelligent!” Brett blurted out, feeling triumphant. “That one was easy to guess.” Oh god. He could feel himself blushing like crazy. His cheeks and ears were on fire, but he didn’t bother to hide it.

Diablo leaned in, propping his elbows on the table, his grasp still firm on Brett’s hand. “Cuando te sonrojas así, quiero desnudarte y hacerte muchas cosas sucias,” he murmured.

“Translation, please,” Brett croaked, eyes locked with Diablo’s, feeling hypnotized.

He leaned closer, his lips grazing Brett’s ear. “When you blush like that, I want to strip you naked and do so many dirty things to you.”

Brett’s mouth fell open, eyebrows shooting up. His mind was a jumbled mess, the ability to think gone.

With a playful nip to his earlobe, Diablo eased back into his chair. “Eat up, hermoso. You’re gonna need the energy.”

The command hung in the air, but Brett was too stunned to respond.

Diablo’s laugh caressed the air, making Brett’s breath hitch.

Picking up his fork, Diablo brought some pancakes to Brett’s mouth. “Open for me, gorgeous.”

Brett’s lips obeyed instantly, parting as Diablo’s grin radiated satisfaction.

He was a danger to Brett’s senses, making him wonder if he was in over his head. While Diablo flirted like it was second nature, Brett flirted like someone trying jazzercise for the first time. Clumsy and likely to hurt something.

Possibly his self-esteem or maybe his dignity.

His thoughts finally caught up as Diablo fed him a few more bites. “I do know how to feed myself.”

Diablo’s grin was downright sinful. “What if I like feeding you, mi elegido?”

Brett was definitely in over his head, but it was too late for him to walk away. He’d already fallen hopelessly in love with Diablo.

* * * *

Brett couldn’t believe he’d agreed to crash in one of the tavern’s rooms for the night. But honestly, for a chance to spend more time with Diablo, he’d probably agree to just about anything.

When they walked into the room, Brett was blown away by how nice it was. He’d been expecting a wobbly bed, maybe a beat-up dresser, and an old-school TV, the kind you needed a wire coat hanger to watch. Like the one he’d grown up watching until he’d been kicked out. When he’d moved in with Frank, Brett had finally been able to enjoy a decent television, and… that was about it.

Diablo casually tossed his keys onto an expensive-looking dresser. Above the other matching dresser was a big flat-screen TV. The walls had picture frames showing black-and-white shots of bikes and flowers, which seemed totally out of place for a biker bar.

The room was pretty classy, with nice rugs and blackout curtains on the windows. How sad was it that a tavern bedroom was nicer than Brett’s entire house? Even the air smelled fresh, unlike the stale cigarette odor at home.

Brett’s gaze darted to the king-sized bed, with maroon bedspread and matching pillows. “Who decorated?”

“Matias.” Diablo sat on the bed and pulled off his boots, setting them aside. “He likes comfort.”

It was clear the guy liked the finer things.

Diablo did a full-body stretch, joints popping. Brett’s gaze drifted to where his shirt had ridden up, revealing abs that looked like they were straight out of a fitness magazine. He’d never seen an actual six-pack in real life. His own body lacked definition, and Frank carried a beer belly

Feeling out of his depth, Brett looked around and spotted a door on his right. Assuming it led to a bathroom, he crossed the room. “Mind if I take a shower?”

Diablo leaned back on the bed, tucking an arm behind his head. He grabbed the remote off the nightstand and flicked on the TV. “Make yourself at home, pajarito.”

Brett just stood there for a moment, mesmerized by the sight of Diablo relaxed on the bed. He imagined the guy naked, tanned skin spread out over the maroon blanket, all those muscles— Nope, not going there! He spun and darted into the bathroom, quickly shutting the door behind him.

“Holy crap,” Brett whispered.

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