Page 243 of Alpha Mates

My lips twitch. That’s fine. I can play that game too.

Eyes on the menu, I fill my stage role as the studious patron who can’t decide what to eat while I take my shoe off. I start with a nudge to his thigh, just enough to make him stiffen. Then press further, prodding his legs apart. Julian groans, and a chuckle slips out as my foot slides between his legs and over his crotch.

“Aiden,” he hisses, leaning over the table. His hair hides his flaming face from everyone else, but I get a front-row view as he shoves my foot away.

“What is wrong with you?” he says once he’s done adjusting himself.

“I don’t know.” I shrug. “I think I got a taste for something I like very much, and now I want more.”

Julian’s lips part with shock, like he’s hasn’t tasted the pure filth from my tongue himself. I chuckle as his blush deepens and he hides behind his menu.

I suck my teeth. “I’ll get angry if I can’t see you,” I warn. But he doesn’t budge, even when I lean over to wrench it down. “Jewels …”

“No,” he snaps, and well, I tried the diplomatic route.

Sliding my foot back between his legs, I make him squeak as his tense hands struggle to hold the menu upright. He fights to look unaffected, and it’s adorable to see him try, even when I press my foot against his growing cock.

“Either you let me see you …” I drawl while I play with him like a cat with yarn, “… or I have some fun.”

“F-fine,” he stammers, lowering the menu so I can see his face, beautifully lit with the colour running up to his ears. He lets out a breath of relief that completely contradicts the disappointment in his eyes when my thwarted foot eases away. “Now behave.”

“I will,” I concede before I give the menu a little shake. “Know what you’re getting?”

“The Vegetarian Wonton special.”

“Of course you are.”

“You?” he asks, ignoring my comment.

“I think a couple of fried wontons, egg noodles, the sweet and sour chicken …” I list as I skim through the menu. “Ribs? Should I do ribs? I’m going to do ribs.” I glance up. “What? You know I love Chinese food.”

“Clearly,” he mutters, setting the menu down and giving me all the attention I deserve. “So…”

“So,” I echo, resting my chin in my hands.

Julian’s lips quirk before they spread into a smile.

“You gonna say something to me, Jewels, or are you just vying for my attention?”

“Vying,” he retorts with his usual speed, and fuck, it does some dangerous shit to my heart.

After all the shit we’ve been through, it feels fucking amazing to just beus.

Reaching out, I lay my hand palm-up on the table, and Julian fills it instantly. His fingers are soft and warm. His grin widens when I tighten my hold on him.

I won’t lose this.

“Alright,” our waiter breathes as they saunter from the table next to ours with an open notepad. “Sorry for the wait. Are you ready to order?”

“Yeah,” I reply before I start rattling off my order.

The waiter blinks but turns to Julian, pen at the ready. “And you?”

I glance at Julian, but his gaze remains fixed on the centre of the table. It’s empty, like he’s lost or zoning out, and he doesn’t snap out of it, even when I give his hand a squeeze.

There’snothingthereor in our bond. It’s just empty, like all of him is suddenly cast in shadows that turn him grey from the inside out.

“Julian,” I call as I tug his hand, trying to find him.