Page 5 of Dangerous Pursuit
His shoulders slump as he stares at his phone. Whatever he's looking for, it seems he can't find it. He drags a hand down his face.
Only then does he glance up, his eyes meeting mine from across the alleyway. My pulse kicks up another notch. I expect him to look away quickly, but he holds my gaze, a myriad of emotions flickering across his face.
He seems to debate with himself for a long moment before finally striding over. I sit up straighter, trying to appear casual even as my mind races.
Up close, he's even more attractive. His eyes are a warm brown and crinkle at the corners when he offers me a hesitant smile. "Hey, Citizen Boo."
I can't help but grin at the nickname. "Mr. FBI. To what do I owe the pleasure?"
He rubs the back of his neck, a flush creeping up his cheeks. "Have you seen Blake come out this way?"
My brow furrows. "Blake?"
"My friend. We came here together earlier, but now I can't find him anywhere."
"Ah." I nod in understanding. "He probably left through the back exit, then. We have more than one door, you know."
Mr. FBI shakes his head. "No, he wouldn't do that. I'm his ride home." He sighs, dragging a hand through his hair.
I frown, studying his face. He seems genuinely concerned for his friend. "I'm sure he's around here somewhere. This place can get pretty chaotic."
He sighs again, leaning against the wall beside me. "Yeah, I noticed." A small smile tugs at his lips as he glances at me. "So do you come here often, Citizen Boo?"
I chuckle at his teasing tone. "Only when I'm working. And it's Liam, actually."
"Liam." He grins, holding out his hand. "I'm Xander."
His palm is warm in mine, his grip firm. I find myself holding on a beat too long.
"Xander." I test the name on my tongue, liking the way it sounds. "Nice to meet you. So what do you do when you're not searching seedy clubs for wayward friends?"
Xander laughs, a warm, rich sound that makes my pulse quicken. "Annoying the shit out of Sawyer at the Uni, mostly."
"A scholar, huh?" I imagine him in a pair of glasses, hunched over textbooks. The image stirs something in me that I quickly tamp down. "That explains a lot."
He rolls his eyes. "Gee, thanks." But he's still smiling. "I do have a job too, you know."
"Oh, really? Do tell."
He cocks his head. "You think I'm that easy, huh?"
His words shoot straight to my balls. I bring my head closer and lick my lips. "So tell me," I say, wondering if I'm about to get lucky tonight. I'm sure Sawyer won't mind. "Anything interesting happening inside? Anything you'd like to…share?"
Xander wrinkles his nose. "Not really my scene. I did almost run into a chick I hooked up with once while I was looking for Blake. Nearly had a heart attack."
I lean back instantly. Whatever blood was flowing south of my waistband promptly returns to my brain. Of course he's straight. I clear my throat. "Sounds tough."
Xander shrugs, leaning in close again. "Eh, it's not so bad. At least the drinks are free." He winks, and despite myself, I feel a grin tugging at my lips.
What the hell is wrong with me? "Free drinks, huh? That doesn't sound like this place."
His eyes light up. "It does if you know the bartender."
I snort. "Is that so?"
He nods, glancing at the club door. "Sawyer's an old friend. He keeps me well lubricated."
"I bet he does." The words slip out before I can stop them.
