arms.
The situation got more and more interesting because now Francine couldn’t deny he sounded like a jealous boyfriend. Or an overprotective brother. For the sake of her vanity, she’d pretend it was the former. “I’m sorry, but that’s not your decision to make,” she replied haughtily. “See you around.”
She waved at him before shoving the helmet onto her head. The scent of man, musky and enticing, surrounded her, and she couldn’t help the tingle that went through her. To hide it, she stepped around Mitchell and clambered onto the back of the bike. She wrapped her arms around the already seated Alejandro, and pretended to not notice Mitchell’s glower.
“Hold on tight, baby.” With a rumble of power that vibrated between her legs, they took off. She couldn’t deny the rush of excitement as Alejandro drove, her occasional prompting guiding them to her townhouse. Parking in her driveway, she pulled the helmet off with a laugh and a shake of her head that send her curls bouncing.
“That was fun!”
“More fun than making Mitchell crazed with jealousy?” he asked with a smirk.
“Ha. I wish. I’m sure he’s already convinced himself he was doing it to protect my honor. Jerk.” She dug her keys out of her pocket and led him to her front door. Unlocking it, she swung it open, hyper aware that Alejandro stood behind her. A part of her wondered if inviting him over was still such a good idea, especially given how her whole body—and wolf—reacted around him.
“Well, I guess I’ll be on my way now.”
Francine, half in the door, turned to give him a puzzled look. “Why? You and I both know that you won’t sleep a wink if Naomi goes at it with your brother and Ethan. Trust me, been there, done that, and it is beyond loud. And paying for a hotel is dumb when I’ve got a perfectly good couch.” She owned an even more comfortable bed. Bad , bad girl.
Uncertainty crossed his face. “I probably shouldn’t. Javier will kill me if he thinks I’ve dared touch his mate’s best friend.”
“Were you planning to?” she asked saucily, feeling more in control now that he seemed unsure.
“I shouldn’t, but you are quite the tempting dish.”
“Flattery will get you everywhere,” she laughed. “Just not in my pants.” Because despite his allure, and he owned plenty, she strived to make Mitchell jealous, not drive a wedge between them, not when he’d finally taken note of her. “Now get your ass inside, and let’s have a beer to celebrate.”
He followed her inside asking, “Celebrate what?”
“The fact that there was only one fist fight at the party and it was outside. That’s got to be a record for Naomi’s family.”
Javier snorted as he followed her to the kitchen and parked himself on a stool. “If you think her family is bad, then you should meet mine. Although, usually, it’s not so much the family fighting as it is angry fathers and scorned lovers. We tend to leave a trail of broken hearts.”
“Gee, a great line like that and yet you still manage to get laid.”
He grinned at her. “It’s my great big…” He paused and winked. “Smile.”
Francine laughed. “Oh, you’re a bad one. No wonder the girls drop their panties for you.” The phone rang and she leaned over to grab it. “House of pleasure, how may I orally please you?” she purred, recognizing the number.
“You are such a nasty skank,” Naomi exclaimed. “I see you made it home safe. But, I’ve got to say, I’m surprised at your choice in rides.”
“Just because Mitchell suddenly decided to notice I exist doesn’t give him the right to act like a jerk. Besides, you should have seen the look on his face when I turned him down. Freakn’ priceless.”
Laughter pealed from the ear piece and Francine held it away with a cringe that made Alejandro grin before he sipped at his beer.
“So, when should I expect Javier’s furball of a brother home?”
“Tomorrow.”
“What? Francine, don’t