Chapter Three
Liam
THE BASS THUMPS in time with my pulse as I lean against the brick wall of the club, the chill of the night seeping through my shirt. Only thirty more minutes until my shift ends and I can finally escape this hellhole.
My gaze drifts over the narrow alley, searching for any signs of trouble, but the only souls in sight are a couple heavily making out against the opposite wall. The guy has his hand up the girl's shirt, groping her breast without a care in the world while she moans into his mouth.
I roll my eyes and turn away, the public display of affection making me nauseous. Some people have no shame.
A buzz from my back pocket catches my attention and I fish out my phone, squinting at the too-bright screen. A message from Jesse, the bartender and my ride home:
Running late. Be there in 15.
Fantastic. As if this night couldn't get any longer. I shove the phone into my pocket with more force than necessary, wishing I could chuck it at the couple across the way. Instead, I cross my arms and glower at the empty street, willing Jesse to appear.
After a few minutes of nothingness, the club door swings open, spilling pulsing music and light into the alley. I glance over, expecting to see Jesse, but instead find Mr. FBI stumbling out, looking thoroughly disheveled.
My pulse picks up as I watch him run a hand through his hair. Even from here, I can see his biceps flexing under his t-shirt.
He pulls out his phone, the screen illuminating his face. Firm jaw, straight nose, lips that look soft even from a distance. He's attractive in a wholesome, boy-next-door way, unlike most of the patrons that frequent this place. He clearly doesn't belong.
I know I'm staring, but I can't seem to look away. There's something about him that reels me in, even though I know he's not here for what I'm offering.
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.
Xander's eyes widen, then he throws his head back and laughs. The sound washes over me, eliciting an unwanted stirring in my groin.
I shift against the wall, cursing my traitorous body. He's straight. Get a grip.
Xander grins at me, clearly enjoying my discomfort. "Relax, I didn't mean it like that." He leans in close, his breath hot on my ear. "Though a guy can get pretty…worked up in a place like this."
I swallow hard, my throat suddenly dry. His words go straight to my cock, and I close my eyes, willing the images out of my mind. This is dangerous territory. I need to shut this down, now.
But then I feel his hand on my arm, and my eyes fly open.
There's something different about his expression now. It's more serious, more hesitant. More intense. He's staring at me, his gaze heated, and for a long moment we just look at each other. My pulse pounds in my ears, drowning out the music from inside the club.
"So," he says finally, his voice low. "You want to go out sometime?"
I open my mouth, but no words come out. I want to say yes. I want to drag him inside the club and find out just how worked up he can get. But this will only lead to trouble. He's straight.
I shake my head, avoiding his eyes. "I don't think that's a good idea."
Xander's face falls, and he takes a hasty step back. "Never mind. I, uh…gotta go."
Before I can respond, he turns around and all but sprints away.