Page 1 of Silent Fire

Chapter One

The tavern was a whirlwind of chaos—glasses clattering, deafening music, uproarious laughter, shouting, cigarette smoke drifting in the air, and the thunder of motorcycles.

Totally not Noel’s scene. A world he didn’t belong to. Tomas had promised his protection, but it was something Noel didn’t need.

Okay, so maybe he’d needed it when he’d stupidly grabbed Tomas’s gun and waved it around at some very dangerous-looking dudes, but that was pure panic talking.

Who wouldn’t freak out when faced with four intimidating guys? Noel hadn’t exactly waved it, more like held it with a flimsy grip, scared out of his mind he might accidentally fire it just from its weight alone.

But as nice as Tomas had been in giving Noel a place to crash, it was time to bounce before he overstayed his welcome.

Or before anyone expected him to “thank” them in other ways. He slammed the lid on those thoughts, refusing to think about…them and weaved his way around burly guys, heading for the door.

“Noel!” Brett called from the bar, surrounded by guys just as small as him.

Nope. Noel was trying to make a break for it, not get caught up in small talk. Truth was he actually liked Sin’s and didn’t really want to leave, no matter how much he tried to deny it.

The place was wrapped in leather, exhaust, and liquor, and the gruff men had been nothing but nice to him.

Except Matias and Santiago, who were still salty about having a gun pointed at them. What had they expected when men twice Noel’s size converged on him? He had a right to defend himself by any means necessary, even if he’d never handled a gun before.

Continuing toward the exit, he pretended he hadn’t heard Brett. The tavern was so noisy the pretense was believable.

Besides, Matias was currently standing behind the bar, leaning over, forearms resting on the counter as he talked with Elijah. Noel wasn’t going anywhere near the counter. He didn’t need the leader of the biker club to stare through him with those intense, light brown eyes.

As crowded as it was, the men moved slightly as Noel passed, giving him enough space to walk without being jostled.

Finally! He’d made it to the door, already feeling the warm breeze against his heated skin. With so many packed bodies, the tavern’s interior was a damn sweat box. The air outside wasn’t as stifling. Noel stood there for a second just to cool off.

His gaze landed on Tomas next to his motorcycle, rummaging through his saddlebags. Holy fuck. Every time Noel saw him, he was blown away by Tomas’s good looks. He was at least six-three and had a body that just wouldn’t quit. Thick shoulders and muscular arms, with an ass Noel wanted to palm with both hands.

He glanced toward the sidewalk leading him away from the tavern, then back at Tomas. Biting his lip, Noel fought the urge to go over and see what Tomas was up to. Maybe say a proper goodbye and thank you.

But he hesitated.

Tomas might not’ve hurt him when Noel had taken that gun, but it would be foolish to think he was harmless.

There was an aura of danger radiating from the guy. The literal reason Noel needed to leave. The last dangerous guy he’d been involved with had tried to kill him.

Still was.

Then Tomas glanced up, catching Noel’s gaze. A smile tugged at the corners of the guy’s mouth as he beckoned Noel over with a tilt of his head. Oh my god. The confidence he exuded when he moved was like standing too close to the sun.

Noel’s heart stuttered. He shouldn’t. He needed to just walk away, leave yet another place behind like he always did. Keep moving, keep his distance. Attachments only led to disappointment.

But his feet were already carrying him toward the curb where a row of motorcycles were parked. The sounds of the tavern faded as he approached Tomas, replaced by the rumbling purr of idling engines.

“Going somewhere?” he asked, straightening up. Amusement danced in his dark eyes, as if he could read Noel’s struggling thoughts.

Shoving his hands into his pockets, Noel shrugged. “I was thinking about it. Figured I should get out of your hair.”

“Who says you’re in my hair?” Tomas’s voice was low and smooth, sending a shiver through Noel.

“I just meant…I don’t want to overstay my welcome. You’ve already done a lot for me.”

“It’s no trouble.” Tomas leaned a hip against his bike, arms crossed over his broad chest. The posture made his biceps bulge against the sleeves of his T-shirt. “In fact, I was hoping you’d stick around a bit longer.”

Don’t you dare read into that. Noel’s mouth went dry. “Oh? Why’s that?”

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