His bear immediately perked up and sneered. Liar, liar, pants on fire! You do want to bite her. You want to bite and mark her hard.
“But I won't,” he snapped at his bear.
Wordlessly, Bella eyed him with concern and bafflement. He bit down a growl when he saw her edge a little further away from him.
CHAPTER FIVE
Joshua kept his eyes on Bella as he walked her to the buffet table. His eyes raked down her delicious, generous curves. Bella was so soft, small and sweet. Standing beside him, she reached only to his biceps. She didn't talk much and she seemed overwhelmed by all the noise and action around her.
Joshua was intrigued at her reserved, guarded demeanor. The females in town were all pretty extroverted and forward. Too forward sometimes. Not that he minded. The girls were good fun, and everyone loved a good time. And the sex wasn't bad either. There was no messy, complicated emotional entanglements. It was all good. Up to a point.
Joshua scrubbed a big, rough hand down his face. Ah hell. All that champagne was getting to his head. Seeing both his brothers happily married was making him question his priorities and wants. But—what more could he want? He had a great family, friends, the business was doing well, and he had all the women he wanted. He could walk into any bar in town and walk out with a lusty female for the night. He used to go bar-hopping with his brothers, but now Marcus and Jax wanted nothing more than to rush home after work to spend time with their mates.
Joshua found himself studying Bella with increasing interest. She was certainly very different from most of the females he knew. Most women loved attention, but Bella seemed awfully uncomfortable when she was thrust unwittingly into the spotlight. There was an air of mystery and vulnerability about her, but he sensed a stubbornness to her as well.
He didn't find her aloof or unapproachable, but it was clear that she had yet to trust anyone in this town. It wasn't that she didn't like them. She did. But...she was just a very private woman with secrets and emotional wounds of her own. He could see the buried fear and hurt in her eyes, and his bear snarled at the thought that someone had hurt her.
He would have to be patient with her. She might be sweet and shy, but she was a tough nut to crack. Not that he wanted to break or crack her in any way. But he desperately wanted to get past that hard, outer shell she'd built around herself and get to her soft, inner core. He wanted to see her open, exposed and naked—in his bed, beneath him, opening her heart to him and taking him deep inside her…
Joshua inhaled sharply and jerked at a crash behind him. He shook his head hard to clear his one-track animal mind of that tempting, erotic image. With a deep growl, he warned his horny, hot-blooded bear to behave. It was his twin's wedding, for God's sake.
Bella's red curls danced wildly and he caught a whiff of her floral-scented shampoo when she spun round at the loud crash. Chairs toppled as two lion cubs began to brawl near the buffet table. Their parents immediately jumped up to pry the youngsters apart.
Unconsciously, Bella took a step back and her body pressed against his chest. Joshua tensed as a shock of desire jolted through his body. All his nerve-endings lit up and he had to resist the urge to grab her. He bit down a groan and clenched his fists at his sides. His entire body was hard and pulsating with lust and hunger.
Completely unaware of the effect she had on him, Bella inched closer to him as more restless cubs gleefully leaped into the fray.
Joshua leaned forward and inhaled her scent deeply. God, she smelled delicious. He might not be able to stop himself if she continued pressing her luscious body so close to his. Her body seemed to move subtly against his, pushing and rubbing slowly against him.
She wanted him. But she didn't know how much she wanted him. Yet.
Bella was arching her back and rubbing her curves slowly against his hard body. Her body was reacting to his, even without her realizing it. Heat was spreading through her body and he could scent her sweet, feminine arousal.
At the moment, Bella seemed to be oblivious to what her body was doing. But once she realized how aroused they both were, she might be terribly embarrassed. Mortified and horrified. And she would run from him.
She was a human woman. A very skittish, leery human woman at that.
Joshua bit down a groan. They weren't going to make it to the buffet table. She was inflaming his bear with her touch, her scent, her unconscious desire for him. If she continued standing so close to him, he might just pounce on her and take her right here on the ballroom floor.
He should let her go home, with her clothes and dignity intact.
“Maybe you should leave now. While you can,” Joshua growled in her ear.
CHAPTER SIX
Bella gasped and jumped, almost slamming her forehead into his nose as she jerked round to face him.
She blinked at him, swallowing and blushing as her breathing quickened. He scented her sudden, fierce arousal as she staggered back, her eyes wide with confusion and alarm.
“Y-you're right. I should leave now,” she mumbled. “I'll just...” Her eyes finally lighted on the bride and groom, and she started to hurry purposefully towards them.
Joshua trailed behind her, reluctant to let her out of his sight. His bear rumbled angrily at the loss of contact. He wanted to feel her soft, lush body against him, and breathe in her sweet, female scent. But the woman was clearly spooked right now. And whose fault was that? Joshua swore viciously and kicked his bear hard.
Joshua saw her shake hands with Jax and give Serena a warm hug. Staci came up to them and the three women talked and laughed for a bit. Then Bella hugged them again and stepped away with a cheerful wave.
Bella might be shy and wary but she wasn't unemotional or undemonstrative. She was just...very careful about showing her feelings.
Coming up to him, Bella gave him a quick smile and said, “Bye, Joshua. Thank you...very much, for your family's hospitality. It's a really beautiful wedding...”
“Let me see you home,” Joshua said, walking to the door with her. He just couldn't bear to let her go.
Bella shook her head. “Thanks, but I'll just...”
“I'll give the lady a ride.”
Joshua whirled round and snarled as Nick came striding up with a grin. Nick Sullivan was Marcus's best friend, and Nick was like a big brother to Jax and Joshua as well. Nick and Marcus had founded Beck's Builders together, and Nick had known the twins since they were cubs. He had looked out for them, helped them with their homework and even cooked for them when Marcus was busy.
Joshua loved Nick like a brother, but at this moment, his bear wanted to rear up and tear into the big guy. Yeah, his claws were out, literally. His bear was preparing to rip out of his skin and shred the guy.
A guy he knew and loved.
What the hell was wrong with him?
Joshua glowered at Nick as the guy came up to shake Bella's hand.
“Nick Sullivan,” Nick said, thrusting a large hand out at Bella.
“Bella Paige,” she answered automatically, her hand disappearing into his humongous one as he shook it enthusiastically.
Nick chatted her up immediately. Nick was about Marcus's age, and he was suave and smooth. He said all the right things. He even managed to make Bella laugh.
“So you're the lucky lady who got the bridal bouquet,” Nick said, glancing at the pretty bouquet in her hand. “I heard the girls chattering about it, but I didn't catch a name. You have a lovely name, by the way.”
“T-thank you.”
At Joshua's low growl, Nick raised a brow at him. “You wanna go help your brothers take care of the guests? They're getting a little rowdy. I'll give Bella a ride home. Maybe take a drive around town and show her around. You're new in town, right?” he addressed Bella. “I hope you're finding Shadow Point to your liking.”
She nodded. “I do like the town, and the people. Everyone's been really nice.”
Joshua stepped in front of Nick and cut
in, “Come on, Bella. I said I'll give you a ride. Let's go.”
With effort, he sheathed his claws and forced his bear down. His bear recognized the other male as a rival, and his bear was ready to fight to the death for its mate.
Mate? His rational, human mind questioned. Really? Could this shy little human really be his mate?
But his bear was in no mood to answer. The crazed, incensed beast wanted Nick's blood.
Joshua didn't want to fight Nick. And he definitely didn't want to kill the guy.
But if he didn't get Bella away from Nick right now, he might end up doing just that.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Bella stared at the big, blond man in front of her. Nick Sullivan was as tall and broad as Joshua, but when he smiled, he had a few more lines around his eyes and mouth. The guy looked to be in his mid to late thirties. He was definitely older than Joshua by a good ten years or more.
Joshua put his hand possessively on her elbow and tried to steer her away from Nick. But Nick took her other hand and pulled her back. “What's the hurry? Stay for a bit and enjoy the party.”
Bella gasped as Joshua let out a low, dangerous growl. He glowered at Nick, but Nick didn't seem to notice. She glanced down and Joshua immediately curled his fingers into fists to prevent her from seeing his claws.
Nick jabbered on blithely, “I heard you just moved into that little house at the end of Rainwater Lane. It's a lovely house. It just needs some touching up—and propping up.”
“Yes. I've been meaning to get some work done on the house,” Bella answered politely. “The roof is leaking and...part of the porch is falling off.” She brightened up suddenly. “My renovation loan has just been approved. So...”
“So you should get that roof and porch fixed before more bits and pieces fall off your house,” Nick said.
“Yeah, I should. In fact, I'm going to get some price quotes next week and...”
“Next week? Pfff!” Nick made a face. “We'll do your house. Beck's Builders.” Nick fished out a business card and pressed it into her hand. “Joshua will tell you that we're the best in the business. We do repair and remodeling work, and the quality of our work is indisputable. Just ask around.”
Nick threw a muscular arm over Joshua's shoulder. “I started the business with Joshua's big brother, Marcus, over fifteen years ago, and when these guys came on board, we just grew from strength to strength. And we're still growing! We'll work within your budget, and you won't be disappointed with the quality. I guarantee it!” Nick puffed out his massive chest and looked like he was going to thump it with pride.
Bella had to smile. The guy was effusive and bubbling over with enthusiasm. “I know the house needs work,” she agreed. “But—I don't want to spend too much money on it. I'm kind of...”
“I understand. You want more bang for your buck. Don't worry, Bella. Your house will be in good hands. The best.” Nick held up his large, calloused hands and grinned. “You will be very, very satisfied,” he drawled, giving her a suggestive smirk.
Bella felt the heat creeping up her face as she glanced from Nick to Joshua. Both men were tall, rugged and handsome, and they both seemed really nice.
But there was no mistaking the hope and desire in their eyes. She might not be as confident and sassy as many of the women she'd met tonight at the wedding, but she was still a woman. She could sense when a man was interested in her. And both Nick and Joshua were definitely very interested.
Bella swallowed and struggled to breathe as she felt her chest constrict suddenly. The memories, hurt and doubts crowded into her mind, and a warning bell seemed to go off in her head.
Her ex, Harlan, had showed the same interest in her initially. He had been attentive, charming and witty, but that had all been a facade. He wasn't the man she thought he was. She had fallen for a fake, a cheat.
Bella blinked rapidly, grateful that the smile was frozen on her face. She didn't want to look upset in front of these two handsome strangers.
She backed away slowly and stammered, “I...I should go now. No, no, I really don't need a ride.” Forcing air into her lungs, she said vehemently, “I don't want a ride.”
When both Nick and Joshua looked at her in surprise, she winced and said, “I don't mean to be rude. But I just want to go home, alone. I'm fine.”
With that, she turned and fled from them.
She didn't turn around even when she heard Nick call out, “Wait! I'd like to have your number!”
CHAPTER EIGHT
“Bella Paige,” Nick mused, staring after the scurrying woman. “She's awfully shy, isn't she? But she's a breath of fresh air. So sweet and refreshing!”
Joshua could feel his claws digging into his palms. “You just scared her off,” he snarled.
“No I didn't. I think I made a very good first impression,” Nick said smugly. “I'm pretty confident she'll give us the job.”
“So she's just a job to you.” Joshua didn't know whether to feel irritated or relieved.
Nick canted his head, looking thoughtful. “Actually, no,” he said at last. “She's a pretty special woman. I might want to get to know her better.” He waggled his brows. “She's quite a looker too.”
Joshua took a step towards Nick, his eyes flashing dangerously. His claws and fangs were lengthening and he could feel the blood lust of his beast surging to the fore.
Nick wasn't looking at him. He was laughing at the sight of a bunch of their work mates doing a rather ungraceful and comical version of the tango. His head was turned to the side, exposing his jugular to Joshua.
Joshua could so easily kill him. All it took was a violent swipe and he would bleed to death from the deep gash...
Joshua sucked in a ragged breath and shook his head hard, trying to clear it.
What the hell was he doing? Was he seriously thinking of biting his brother's head off just for admiring Bella?
The man had just stated the truth. Bella was a very attractive woman. And he was sure Nick wasn't the only male who had noticed her. He saw a few males checking Bella out. New females to the town were potential mates and as long as Bella was single and available, the males were free to vie for her attention and affection. All's fair in love and war.
“Fuck.” Joshua spat. “I'm fucked.”
He turned swiftly and forced himself to walk away. With a feral growl, he pushed his claws back. His breaths were coming hard and fast as he lashed his bear down and put as much distance between Nick and himself as possible.
“Hey, Josh! What...”
Joshua refused to turn around at Nick's shout. He would never, ever hurt the guy but his bear was going crazy. His maddened, ravenous bear was spoiling for a fight, and he was determined not to give in to his beast.
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Jax stepping away quickly from a crowd of loud, drunken males and hurry in his direction. Jax was the bridegroom and he had been raising his wine glass and beer mug the whole night but he was far from drunk. In fact, he looked way more sober and clear-headed than Joshua.
Jax came jogging up to him, looking worried. “Hey, man. What's going on?”
Joshua jerked his twin's arm away. He didn't want to be touched right now. Not even by his twin, who knew him like the back of his hand. “Nothing.”
Jax walked silently out of the ballroom with him and stood with him at the end of the long corridor.
“I saw you and Nick talking to Bella,” Jax said at last.
Joshua gave a curt nod.
Jax waited a beat before asking slowly, “Is she your mate?”
Joshua scowled. “I don't know.”
“You want her, don't you?”
“Yes, but that doesn't mean anything. My bear is a horny bastard. It likes what it sees, and it wants what it wants,” he snapped.
“Does Nick think that Bella is his mate?” Jax glanced towards the ballroom.
“I don't know. And I don't think he knows either.”
Jax put a hand on his shoulder. “You're my twin. But Nick is like a brother to me as well. I won't interfere, but I won't let either of you do anything stupid.”
“I'm not going to kill him,” Joshua groused, throwing up his hands.
Jax narrowed his eyes at him. “But the thought did cross your mind. Don't deny it. I saw the look in your eyes.”
When Joshua didn't respond, Jax went on, “I say let the lady choose.”
Joshua jerked and glared at his brother. “And if...she doesn't choose me?” he snarled, his fangs pushing out in anger.
“Then she's not your mate.”
Joshua shot his twin a disgusted look. “So now you're a know-it-all?”
“Of course!” Jax beamed. “I'm married now!”
CHAPTER NINE
Bella sat at her kitchen table and held the steaming mug of coffee in both hands. She was thankful it was her off day today. She loved going to the library and being among all those books but this morning, she just felt like shutting herself at home.
Social situations seemed to wear her out and the wedding last night was pretty...intense.
As she sipped her coffee, her eyes landed on the lovely bridal bouquet which she had caught at Jax and Serena's wedding yesterday.
Her thoughts inadvertently flitted not to the happy couple, but the dashing best man. She remembered how both Nick and Joshua had chatted and flirted with her. Well, Nick was the one who flirted openly with her. Joshua's yearning and desire for her was more quiet, more intense. The way he looked at her, touched her, wanted her…
Her breath caught and she shook her head quickly.
No. She couldn't let herself be attracted to Joshua. He was...much too young for her.
Younger men were trouble. She knew that from experience.
She had married a younger guy, not much younger, but still. She knew that she shouldn't let her bad experience skew her view of younger men, but she just didn't want to get hurt again. She'd been a fool, a dreamer, and it was time she woke up.
Brash Bear: BBW Bear Shifter Paranormal Romance (BRIDES fur BEARS Book 3) Page 2
