Page 33 of Tease

“In the cupboard.”

I heard a rustling noise, followed by footsteps.

“Don’t forget you promised I could watch.”

“I hate you,” came Eric’s retreating voice.

Xav burst out laughing. My eyes flicked over to the door where Arlo was coming in with two mugs in his hands.

“Sorry about that, Rina. I swear that man needs to get over himself. Anyway, I have some contacts who could help with your situation. I’ll just need to know what I’m looking for.”

I told him about the car bombing as Arlo set the mug of tea down next to me. His eyes narrowed when he heard what I was saying, but he didn’t comment on it, merely leaned up against the desk and sipped his tea.

“Okay, I think I’ve got all of that down. Just give me the rest of the day and I’ll get back to you if it’s not in the digital files.”

“Thank y-you.”

“You’re very welcome. Now, how is this new boyfriend of yours?”

My face grew hot, and I looked away from Arlo.

“He’s fine.”

“Fine orfine?”

I snorted.

“Both.”

“You fancy bringing him around the casino at some point?”

“I n-never said you could m-meet him.”

A glance at Arlo had my face growing hotter. His eyebrows were raised. He obviously knew we were talking about him.

“Don’t be a spoilsport. If he’s hot, then I’ll join you in drooling over the man.”

I swear I wanted the ground to swallow me up between Xav’s teasing and Arlo’s expression.

“I’m h-h-hanging up now.”

Xav merely laughed.

“Oh, I get it. He’s in the room. Well, say hello from me. I’ll call when I have news.”

He hung up on me instead. I set my phone down on the desk and picked up the mug of tea Arlo had made me, steadfastly avoiding eye contact with him.

“Who was that?” he asked after I took a sip of my tea.

“Xav, a-and before y-y-you ask, I n-n-need his help. I c-can’t hack into the p-p-police database myself. We need the c-case files.”

He capped my shoulder with his palm.

“Are you sure we can trust him?”

I nodded, biting down on my lip.

“H-h-he’ll be discreet. I promise.”

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