Lover Mine(18)

Guess opposites attracted. At least on his side--

iAm came back in and had with him what could only be described as a male of worth: The guy was dressed impeccably, from the cut of his dark gray overcoat to the shine on his wingtips, and instead of a tie, he was wearing a cravat. Thick blond hair was cut short in the back and left long in the front and his eyes were the color of pearls.

"Jesus fucking Christ, what the hell are you doing here?" Qhuinn's voice boomed out as iAm disappeared into the back. "You slick bastard."

Blay's first response was to tighten up all over. Last thing he needed was another ride on the spectator merry-go-round, assuming Qhuinn was attracted to the guy.

Except then he frowned. Could it be . . . ?

The male who'd just arrived laughed as he embraced Qhuinn. "You have such a way with words, cousin. I would say . . . trucker meets sailor crossed with a twelve-year-old."

Saxton. It was Saxton, son of Tyhm. Blay could remember meeting him once or twice before.

Qhuinn pulled back. "Fuck is actually a comma. Or didn't they teach that shit to you at Harvard?"

"They were more concerned with contract law. Property. Torts--which covers actionable wrongs against others, by the way. I'm surprised you weren't on the final exam."

Qhuinn's fangs flashed bright and white as he truly smiled. "That's human law. They can't handle me."

"Who can."

"So what are you doing here?"

"Property transactions for the Shadow brothers. Lest you think I just learned all that human jurisprudence for my health." Saxton's eyes shifted over and met Blay's. Instantly, the guy's expression changed to something serious and speculative. "Well, hello."

Saxton turned his back on Qhuinn and came over with a focus that made Blay check behind himself.

"Blaylock, is it not?" The male extended his elegant arm across the bar. "I haven't seen you in years."

Blay had always felt a little tongue-tied in Saxton's presence because the "slick bastard" always had a comeback. And a vibe like he not only knew the right answers to everything but might not choose to let you in on the secrets if you weren't up to his standards.

"How do you do?" Blay said as their palms met.

Saxton smelled really good and had a handshake that was firm. "You've grown up a lot."

Blay found himself flushing as he took his hand back. "You're just the same."

"Am I?" Those pearl eyes flashed. "Is that good or bad?"

"Oh . . . good. I didn't mean--"

"So tell me how you've been. Are you mated to some nice female your parents set you up with?"

Blay's laugh was sharp and hard. "God, no. There's no one for me."

Qhuinn inserted himself in the conversation, all but putting his body between them. "So, how you been, Sax?"

"Rather well." Saxton didn't even glance over at Qhuinn as he answered, his attention staying on Blay. "Although my parents want me out of Caldwell. I am not inclined to leave, however."

Needing somewhere else to look, Blay got busy drinking his soda and counting the ice cubes that floated in it.

"And what are you doing here?" Saxton asked.

There was a long pause and eventually, Blay swung his eyes back up as he wondered why Qhuinn hadn't replied.

Oh. Right. Saxton wasn't addressing his cousin.

"You going to speak up there, Blay," Qhuinn prompted with a frown.

For the first time in . . . God, forever, it seemed . . . he went to fully meet his best friend's stare. Although it wasn't like he needed to brace himself. As always, those mismatched eyes were trained on someone else: Saxton was getting a once-over that would have rendered lesser males several inches shorter. But Qhuinn's cousin was either unaware of it or possibly didn't care.

"Do answer me, Blaylock," the male murmured.

Blay cleared his throat. "We're here to help a friend."

"Admirable." Saxton smiled, flashing a set of fangs that gleamed. "You know, I think we should go out sometime."

Qhuinn's voice was mostly edge. "Sure. Sounds great. Here's my number."

Just as he recited his digits, John, Trez, and iAm came back in. There were some introductions and conversating, but Blay stayed out of it, polishing off the Coke and putting his glass in the washer.

As he came around the bar and passed the guy, Saxton reached out. "Good to see you again."

On reflex, Blay clasped the palm that was offered . . . and after the shake, he realized there was a business card in his hand. As he covered his surprise, Saxton just smiled.

While Blay tucked the card into his pocket, Saxton turned his head and glanced at Qhuinn. "I'll be giving you a call, cousin."

"Yeah. Sure."