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Birk ordered sauvignon blanc for the three of them, and put a hand on the back of Shiya’s to lean closer to her. “Have you decided?”
Her head popped up, bringing her mouth dangerously close to his. He remained where he was, watching the emotions flit across her expressive face, and then raised an eyebrow when she didn’t say anything.
“Oh yeah, um, can I get the halibut on a bed of green beans, and I also want salmon chowder, please. I’ve never had that. I wonder if it tastes similar to clam chowder. Guess I’ll find out.”
Birk put in his and Shiya’s order and let Kotori handle his. When Kotori’s appetizer arrived before the rest of the food, Shiya watched him eat the grilled tiger prawns with cherry tomatoes. Her interest in the food was so obvious, he picked one up and fed it to her. Shiya bit into the meat and moaned as she chewed.
“Mm, that’s so good. I didn’t realize how hungry I was until I saw you eating.” She stuck a finger to her mouth and licked a bit of sauce from it. Both Birk and Kotori caught her wrist and put her hand down. She looked from one to the other. “What?”
“Nothing, I’m glad you’re enjoying it,” Birk murmured.
When she was done and had cleaned her fingers on a tissue, she turned to Kotori. “Okay, so I know Birk’s a vet. What about you, Kotori? What do you do?”
His friend didn’t hesitate or look away from her face, which told Birk she was special for him as well. “I own several fishing vessels and supply many of the local restaurants and a few in Anchorage.”
“Nice.”
Birk’s mind drifted while they spoke, and he sat in silence, half following the conversation. His thoughts were more consumed with Shiya and their plans for her. He and Kotori spoke the truth when they said they’d shared lovers.
A female shifter had the drive and the strength to take both him and his buddy, but this was their first time with a human. As an African-American, she was also a first, because of the low population percentage in Juneau for her race. If he had found a woman like Shiya who tempted him like she did, he would have already enjoyed her. Race meant nothing to him, but he had to admit, Shiya’s smooth cocoa skin intrigued him and gave him fantasies of licking it from top to bottom. She would give in to their desires, but would she be able to handle him, let alone Kotori? Maybe it was a mistake to share her when every move she made, every sound and gesture, reminded him of how much he wanted her. Even now, he envisioned reaching across the table and ripping her blouse open so he could see her nipples. To think of holding those heavy globes in his palms hardened his dick to the point of discomfort.
“Hey!”
Birk blinked and focused on Shiya’s face.
“Where were you?” She smiled at him, and he felt a stirring inside. He’d been in love once, and it turned out badly. He didn’t care to repeat it, ever.
“I’m right here.” He laid a hand on her thigh and slid it higher. Seeing the desire he evoked pleased him as he pushed a finger against the spot where her clit hid. He cursed the jeans for keeping him from the treasure. Shiya bit her bottom lip, and her lashes fluttered down before she forced her head up. She covered his hand and pushed it back.
“That’s not playing fair.”
“I don’t remember agreeing to fair.”
She turned to Kotori. “Don’t you think he’s cheating?”
“He cheats at cards too,” was the rough reply.
Shiya laughed, and he frowned at his friend. “Thanks a lot, buddy.”
Kotori shrugged. “I always tell the truth.”
When a light of interest shone in Shiya’s expression, he should have known she would pounce on Kotori’s words. “Do you? Well tell me this.”
Birk stiffened.
“Are you married, or do you have a girlfriend? Have you ever slept with a black woman?”
Her questions surprised Birk. Did she let the opportunity slip by on purpose? She could have asked Kotori anything, like did he believe in shape-shifters, or was he one. She could have queried him in any number of ways that would lead her closer to the affirmation that they were what she thought—polar bear shifters. Then again, this could be her tactic to make them trust her, to get careless and let her into their world. If so, she was a very clever woman, and unfortunately, the knowledge made him want her more.
“No to all three,” Kotori admitted.
“Does that cancel the deal?” Birk interrupted. “That we have not been with a black woman?”
“Well there’d have to be a deal . . .” One side of her mouth turned up playfully. “But no, it doesn’t. We’re not talking a relationship anyway.”
“How long can we keep you?”
She grinned. “I have two weeks—longer if I need it.”
