Page 21 of Silent Fire

This was a new experience for Noel. He’d never been able to make fun of Brian. The jackass didn’t have a sense of humor. But with Tomas, Noel felt like he could finally be himself.

Diablo’s brows lifted. “No, say you’re lying.”

Tomas looked at Noel like a man desperate for a lifeboat. Nope. Noel wasn’t caving. Cesar didn’t deserve Tomas’s wrath. He deserved a hug and Noel’s appreciation. Because if things had gone in the opposite direction, Cesar had been ready to take on Tomas. That was the first time anyone had ever stuck up for him, and Noel wanted to repay the kindness.

“Fine, I’m not pissed at him,” Tomas growled.

Noel gaped at him. “Could you have said it with any more hostility?”

Cesar pushed away from his bike and sauntered over, but he didn’t look smug. He looked genuinely hurt. “Mates come first. You know that, Tomas.”

Somehow Noel knew “mate” meant something deeper than simply a friend. He would deal with that later. The scent from Lizard’s—bacon grease, maple syrup, grilled toast—made Noel’s stomach grumble even though he’d already eaten.

He was seconds away from joining Santiago.

“While I appreciate you ready to go to war for mi elegido, I’m still pissed you’d think I’d hurt him,” Tomas replied.

Noel inched away, eyeing the door of the diner. He’d seen the waitress serve a customer a jumbo cinnamon roll when he’d been eating, and now he wanted one. Since it looked as if Cesar and Tomas were working things out, Noel could stuff his face.

“Where are you slinking off to?” Tomas’s gaze flicked from Cesar to Noel.

“I don’t slink,” Noel scowled. “I was going for seconds, jefe.”

“I’ll take you,” Diablo offered. “It does smell good. I can surprise Brett with breakfast just so I can see him blush.”

Noel had no idea who Brett or Percy were, but he willingly followed the giant, smiling sweetly over his shoulder at Tomas. “You boys work it out. I’ll bring you some cinnamon rolls.” He stopped and cursed under his breath. “I’m a little short on money.”

To his surprise, Tomas pulled out his wallet and handed over his bank card. “Grab me some more sausage.” He winked.

“But…” Noel looked down at the smooth plastic in his hand. “Dude, I could rob you blind with this.”

When Tomas spoke, it was low enough for only Noel to hear. “You’re giving me your trust not to hurt you, cariño. I’m giving you my trust that you won’t wipe me out by trying to buy the diner.”

He’d softened the blow. Not wipe him out and run off or rob him blind like Tomas’s finances didn’t matter. Only…food. “A mega cinnamon roll and sausage,” Noel promised. “And, thank you.”

Tomas smiled. “Just as long as you stop confirming the rumor that you kicked my ass.”

Noel chuckled. “Okay, fine. I’ll lie for you.” He wanted to kiss Tomas so badly his lips ached. Instead, Noel stepped back, turned, and hurried after Diablo, who was waiting at the door for him. Before he stepped inside, Noel glanced back and saw the enamored look in Tomas’s eyes.

He was safe with the wolf. Noel knew that in his heart.

And maybe a little in love with him too.

Chapter Seven

Tomas watched Diablo and Noel head into the diner. The mix of emotions was undeniable. Tightness in his chest for what Noel had gone through, guilt for scaring his mate, and a wild rush at seeing him again.

It all pointed to one conclusion. Tomas was in love.

He’d had feelings for others before, but none ever made him feel like he was both losing his mind and unable to breathe until Noel was back in his line of sight.

“We good, or do we need to settle shit aggressively?” Cesar’s asked gruffly, sharp gaze scanning their surroundings. “If you wanna take a swing, you do it while your elegido gone.”

With his hands on his hips, Tomas rolled his shoulders, feeling the tension pop in his back. “There’s only one person I wanna unleash on.”

While apologizing to Noel, he’d slipped the ring into his jeans pocket. Damn thing felt like it was weighing him down.

He’d never ask if Brian was Noel’s husband because he didn’t want to confront that possibility.

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