Page 5 of Honey Heat (Sin & Steel #9)

Before heading to the clinic, Lucio stopped at Lizard’s. He wasn’t sure what the bear ate, so he got a little of everything.

Dot, the waitress, bagged it all up, making sure to add assorted condiments and plasticware. Five bags. Lucio had never ordered so much food before.

He wasn’t even sure if Ethan was allowed to eat any of it. But if the bear was, Lucio wanted him to have something comforting to eat.

Nope. He wasn’t going to question his motives, his sanity, or why he was going out of his way to take care of Ethan. He was going to ignore the voice in his head that said he was already invested in the guy.

Lucio just felt responsible for the bear since he’d been the one who’d found him.

Then why was Ethan the first thing you thought about as soon as you woke up?

“Shut up,” he grumbled to himself as he parked in the clinic parking lot. It had been a long time since he’d had someone to take care of. Not since his hermana died nine years ago.

Lucio rubbed his sternum, something he always did whenever he thought of Kayla.

After grabbing the bags, he used his foot to close the truck door and headed inside. The receptionist wasn’t behind her desk, so Lucio walked to the back to find Boone sitting in the chair Lucio had occupied since Ethan had been brought in.

Why was the bear alpha still in wolf territory? It was highly unusual for an alpha to allow another alpha to stay for long.

Because his son is at a wolf clinic.

Boone glanced Lucio’s way, his brows furrowed as he gazed at the bags.

“Thought I’d bring you guys some breakfast.” So much for feeding his osito .

Lucio completely ignored the fact he kept claiming the bear as his, even if his wolf whimpered to get closer to Ethan.

Lucio would’ve thought his wolf had chosen the bear shifter, but it wasn’t going insane, so he figured his beast was just concerned.

Then hazel eyes turned toward him, and something melted inside Lucio. “Good morning, osito .”

He could’ve sworn Ethan’s eyes just lit up, but the shifter quickly looked away.

But not before he’d seen the blush spread over Ethan’s cheeks.

“You always bring breakfast to patients?” Boone asked, still eyeing Lucio suspiciously.

The guy might be a chill person, but clearly not when it came to his son. Lucio would have to tread carefully.

“A regular Nightingale,” Dr. Martinez murmured from his desk without looking up.

If Boone wasn’t still staring at him, Lucio would’ve rolled his eyes. “Like I told the doctor, I found Ethan, so I feel responsible.”

From the look in the bear alpha’s eyes, he wasn’t buying it. Thankfully, he didn’t call Lucio out on the lie.

Dr. Martinez cleared his throat, setting down his tablet. “Hold your horses, Alcaraz. Ethan can only have the pancakes and eggs. His stomach needs bland food while his body processes those pain meds.”

“You’re the boss, Doc,” Lucio acknowledged, sorting through the bags to find the right container.

Boone’s phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen then squeezed his son’s shoulder. “Gotta take this.” His massive frame moved with surprising grace as he headed for the door.

Once Boone and the doctor disappeared, Lucio slid into the vacated chair beside Ethan’s bed. It creaked under his weight as he opened the Styrofoam container, releasing steam and the buttery aroma of pancakes. Scrambled eggs nestled beside them, a small pool of melted butter glistening on top.

“You brought me breakfast?” Ethan asked, his voice soft but stronger than yesterday. “Are you this nice to everyone you rescue from certain death, or am I special?”

Lucio’s lips quirked up. “Only the cute ones get breakfast delivery.”

“Lucky me.” Ethan tried to push himself up, wincing slightly at the movement.

Without thinking, Lucio reached out to help, sliding an arm behind Ethan’s shoulders to gently lift him. The warmth of the bear’s body seeped through the thin hospital gown, and Lucio caught a faint trace of honey and pine beneath the antiseptic smell of the clinic.

“Thanks,” Ethan murmured, suddenly very close to Lucio’s face. Those hazel eyes had flecks of gold in them, Lucio noticed.

“ De nada .” He adjusted the pillows behind Ethan’s back, taking a bit longer than necessary. “Comfortable?”

“Yeah. Though I’m pretty sure I look like roadkill right now.” Ethan self-consciously ran a hand through his disheveled hair.

“Nah. More like a teddy bear that got into a fight with a lawnmower.” Lucio cut into the pancakes, spearing a piece with the plastic fork. “And somehow still looks adorable.”

“Smooth talker,” Ethan murmured, a blush creeping up his neck. “Are you going to feed me too?”

“That was the plan, unless you’d rather wear your breakfast.” He gestured to Ethan’s bandaged hands. “Those fingers aren’t going to be much use with utensils.”

“Fair point.” Ethan opened his mouth expectantly, eyes challenging Lucio.

He held the fork steady, watching as Ethan closed his lips around the pancake. Something possessive stirred in his chest at the sight.

“Oh my god,” Ethan moaned, eyes fluttering closed. “That’s the best thing I’ve tasted in days.”

“Lizard’s. Best breakfast in town, despite the creepy decor.” Lucio scooped up some eggs onto the fork and fed them to the bear. “The owner has an unhealthy obsession with reptiles.”

“Better than an obsession with bears,” Ethan murmured. “Do you know how many bear-themed gifts I get every birthday? Last year my dad’s second-in-command gave me honey-scented everything. I smelled like a walking beehive for weeks.”

Lucio couldn’t stop the smile spreading across his face. “At least you didn’t get wolf-themed stuff. Santiago once gifted me a howling wolf lamp that had glowing red eyes. Scared the shit out of me every time I woke up at night.”

“Where is it now?” Ethan asked, accepting another bite of pancake.

“Tragic accident involving a baseball bat.” Lucio’s expression remained completely serious. “Very sad. We had a small funeral.”

Ethan laughed then immediately groaned, clutching his ribs. “Don’t make me laugh. It hurts.”

“Sorry, hermoso .” Lucio set the fork down, his hand moving instinctively to rest on Ethan’s forearm. The skin beneath his fingers felt warm, soft despite the visible bruises. “Need a minute?”

“I’m okay,” Ethan said after taking a few careful breaths. His gaze dropped to where Lucio’s hand rested on his arm, but he didn’t pull away. “Just didn’t expect breakfast to be life-threatening.”

“My company often has that effect on people.” Lucio removed his hand reluctantly and went back to feeding Ethan. “Now I know to keep the jokes to a minimum until your ribs heal.”

“Or just pad my ribs better,” Ethan suggested, eyes meeting Lucio’s. “I like your jokes.”

Something warm bloomed in Lucio’s chest at those words. “High praise from someone who’s probably still on pain meds.”

“I’m perfectly lucid,” Ethan protested, though the slight glassiness in his eyes suggested otherwise. “Lucid enough to know you’re much nicer than most wolves I’ve met.”

“Don’t tell anyone. I have a reputation to maintain.” Lucio offered another forkful of eggs, watching as Ethan’s lips closed around it. He tried not to focus on how perfectly shaped those lips were, or how they might feel against his own.

“Won’t say a word,” Ethan said, accepting the next bite. A drop of syrup clung to his lower lip, and he caught it with his tongue.

Lucio tried not to stare, but failed miserably. “Hungry, osito ?”

“Starving. And curious.” Ethan tilted his head. “What does that mean? Osito ?”

“Little bear.” Lucio speared some eggs. “It seemed fitting.”

“Most bears would be offended at being called little anything.” Ethan’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Lucky for you, I’ve never been most bears.”

“I noticed.” His gaze travelled over Ethan’s form. Even battered and bruised, there was something captivating about him. He offered another forkful of food, deliberately letting his fingers brush against Ethan’s chin.

The touch sent an unexpected jolt through his hand, warm and electric. From Ethan’s quick intake of breath, he’d felt it too.

“Are you really a fulltime nursemaid?” Ethan said after swallowing.

“First time, actually.” Lucio mixed some eggs with a bite of pancake. “I’m usually the tech guy. Computers, security systems. Not much call for bedside manner.”

“Could’ve fooled me.” Ethan’s eyes never left Lucio’s face. “You’re surprisingly good at this.”

“Had practice with my sister when we were kids. She was always getting into scrapes.” The memory brought a sad smile to Lucio’s face. “I'd sneak food to her room when she was grounded.”

“Sounds like a good brother.” Ethan accepted another bite, chewing thoughtfully. “Where is she now?”

His hand stilled for a moment. “She passed. Car accident. Long time ago.”

“I’m sorry.” Ethan’s voice was gentle, without the usual awkward pity Lucio hated. Just simple understanding. “That’s rough.”

“Yeah.” He shook off the familiar weight of grief. “Anyway, not exactly breakfast conversation.”

“No, but thank you for telling me.” Ethan reached out, his bandaged hand lightly touching Lucio’s arm. “And for the food. And for finding me.”

The simple contact felt more intimate than it should have. Lucio cleared his throat. “Anyone would have done the same.”

“We both know that’s not true.” Ethan’s gaze was too perceptive, seeing more than Lucio was comfortable revealing. “Most would have called it in and kept their distance. You stayed.”

Lucio didn’t know how to respond to that. He hadn’t questioned his need to stay with Ethan, to make sure he was safe. It had felt as natural as breathing. Just like taking care of the small bear shifter.

“How about some more pancakes?” he offered instead.

“Changing the subject? Smooth.” Ethan’s smile took any sting from the words. “But, yes, please. I’m still hungry.”

As Lucio fed him another bite, Dr. Martinez poked his head into the room, eyes darting between them with obvious amusement.

“How’s the patient?” he asked, approaching the bed to check Ethan’s vitals.

“Better with actual food,” Ethan replied. “Though my hands are still useless.”

“Luckily you have a dedicated helper.” Martinez winked at Lucio, who responded with a glare that promised retribution later. “Those bandages can come off tomorrow, but your fingers will need to stay wrapped for at least a week.”

“Great,” Ethan sighed. “My dad’s going to hover even more than usual.”