Page 37 of Dancing with My Elf
“I’m headed back to the club now.”
“I can’t believe someone was killed out back,” Nova said. “Do you want me to come with you?”
“Although I’d love that, don’t worry. You can stick to your assignment. Besides, Lucas offered to help me out tonight.”
“Loo-kess?” She dragged out his name with surprise.
“Yeah. Is that weird?”
“Just surprising,” Nova replied.
That was one way to describe him. Although I’d initially dismissed him as a playboy stripper, he’d slowly started to shatter that perception. He cared about his friends and adored his cat. His green thumb and wanting to honor Margaret by keeping her garden alive was touching. Maybe there was more to him than a set of amazing abs and a devilish smile.
“Okay, well I better head on down. I’ll talk to you later, Nova.” After I ended the call, I returned to the club, incognito. Walking in disguised as this dark-haired woman made me feel a little dangerous. And sexy. Although I sometimes wore disguises undercover, something was different tonight. Maybe it was because I’d be around Lucas, and he exuded that vibe wherever he went.
After an inconspicuous walk around the perimeter of the club to scout for dark energy, I found a spot at a table near another group. It was close enough that it appeared I could be part of their group, which helped with not standing out. Then I ordered a Mai Tai and scanned the club from my vantage point.
I didn’t pay much attention to the dancers until Lucas came on stage, wearing a pirate outfit with a loose white shirt. He moved with slow, sensual moves as he seized control of the room. My attention glued onto him as he danced, removing his clothing during an unhurried, sexy tease. As he revealed his cut torso, rippling them, I resisted drooling.
You’re hereinvestigating, I reminded myself. Yet, I couldn’t tear my gaze away.
What was it about Lucas? He was good looking and had a killer body, yes, but so did most of the other guys who’d danced before him. Something about him captivated me beyond his attractiveness. Was it his spark, his joie de vivre? He had this brightness to him that drew people to him. I had to admit he brought out a lighter side of me, and I’d enjoyed all the time we’d spent together.
Judging by how vocal the women in the crowd grew, I wasn’t the only one enthralled by his presence tonight. They hollered in appreciation, attempting to capture his attention by waving dollar bills. A sudden stab of possessiveness shot through me. Why? I didn’t have any claims on him.
Well, possibly. He was temporarily helping me on this case after all. I’d want to ensure he was safe, just as I would with any other coworker.
With delicious, scrumptious abs…
Focus.
Right. My excuse sounded flimsy even to myself.
As the song faded out, Lucas climbed off stage. He paid polite attention to those closest to him but fixed an intense stare on me and headed toward me.
My throat turned parched. This wasn’t part of our script, yet I couldn’t break eye contact.
Stay in character. You’re just doing the job.
Lucas stood before me and extended his hand. Oh my, was this going to be like the other night when we’d danced while Nova and Gianna were here?
Once I stood, I whispered, “What are you doing?”
“What we came here to do.”
A slow, sensual song played that I didn’t recognize. Lucas held my arms aloft and then slid his hands down my side, leaving a fiery path in its wake. He then pressed his body closer to mine, his hard chest against my breasts, and my nipples instantly pebbled into hard peaks. He led me, dancing with him, his leg in between mine. He dipped me back, nuzzling his mouth close to my neck so the warmth of his breath feathered over my skin.
Once I was upright again, he slid his body down. As his face edged lower, down before my lower abdomen, I sucked in a breath.
A woman shouted, “Get it, girl!”
I tried to suppress my reaction to him, but how could I resist? It felt like I was being seduced, and it felt damn incredible. Any woman in the club would likely kill to switch places with me right now.
I should be focused solely on finding a murderer, not being part of this seductive dance. But he made it hard. So hard.
Just like every contoured muscle he rolled against me. And an impressive package I pictured farther down…
How long could I hold out before I was entirely swallowed up by this growing desire?
