Which was nothing but the truth. And a damn pity, if this man had been waiting for me here all that time.
"I want you, and I intend to have you," he said. "Not for just one dance, but for many. And you're not escaping me tonight until I at least get a phone number."
Given that Quinn and Kade weren't likely to be long-term prospects, and Misha definitely wasn't, I certainly had no qualms about giving him my cell phone number. Even if he was a psycho, he couldn't actually trace me through it, because it was a work phone.
Once I'd given him the number, he kissed me. As kisses went, it was top-notch, and a definite signal of intent.
When he finally pulled away, he added, "I'll call tomorrow."
Even without his words, the determination evident in his green eyes, and the flare of his nostrils, warned that this was a wolf on the hunt.
I'd never been considered prey before, and damn if it didn't make me want him all the more. In the past, my relationships, even with Misha and Talon, had only grown into something permanent after many casual liaisons - and only after I'd decided I liked them enough to proceed onto something more. But they'd never pursued me with single-minded determination, even though both of them had been sent with the purpose of seducing me. This alpha obviously didn't want a casual dalliance, and he had no intention of waiting until I made up my mind. The chase was on, and modern wolf or not, my blood raced at the thought.
I kissed him, soft and lingering. "Please do."
"I will, rest assured of that."
While my hormones did an excited little shuffle, he escorted me to the change room, then gave me a kiss that again left me in no doubt of future intentions. As he walked away, I headed into the change room, and couldn't help feeling dizzy with elation. My life might be one big mess, and my future decidedly dark, but at least tonight I'd found something - or someone - to look forward to.
I went to the toilet and cleaned up, then headed back out. Kellen was nowhere to be seen, and part of me was glad. I had a feeling he might just fight for my attentions, and while I was wolf enough to think that wasn't a bad thing, neither Misha nor I needed that sort of attention at the moment.
Misha was over near the bar, sitting on a stool and nursing what looked like a beer. I made my way toward him.
"Didn't expect to find you here," I said, kissing his cheek and forcing a cheerful note into my voice. "What happened to the Rocker?"
His eyes met mine, then briefly slid past. I understood the warning clear enough. His watcher was near. I'd have to be the one to make the moves.
"They've decided to go modern," he said, his voice dry. "And you know I can't stand that stuff."
"You and me both." I plonked down on the stool beside his. "You want another beer?"
"Sure."
I ordered two from the bartender, then said, "You know, it's nice to see you again."
Amusement touched his cold eyes. He raised a hand, brushing the hair away from my cheek, his fingers cool against my skin. "It's been a while," he said softly.
I resisted the urge to pull away. "How come you're here alone? You've usually got a half dozen pretty blondes hanging off you five minutes after you walk into a club."
His smile was warm, genuine. "I did have. But I've got an important liaison with a couple of pretty sisters in the green room in - " He paused, glancing at his watch. "Forty-five minutes."
The green room was one of five private rooms the Blue Moon offered, and from what I'd heard, the most expensive. It apparently came complete with a spa, vibrating chairs, the latest in "air" beds, and for those who got off on pain, a whipping area. "And you're not using it in the meantime? Misha, you're getting old."
He grinned. "Conserving strength, more likely." He thanked the barman as he placed our drinks, then added, "The sisters are young and extremely active."
"So," I said softly, sliding my hand up his thigh, "there's nothing I could say that would sway you toward putting that room to use for the next half hour?"
He raised an eyebrow. "The last time I saw you here, you said you wanted nothing more to do with me."
I'd said nothing of the sort, though I'd certainly thought it. But given Misha could no more read my mind than I could his, it was obviously said for the benefit of the watcher. And if I wanted to pick Misha's brain, I had to play this game, at least for the time being.
"As I told you at the time, I don't take kindly to being kept waiting. Not when there's plenty of other offers on the table."
"So what made you change your mind?"
I forced a grin, and lightly ran my fingers up and down his erection. "What makes you think I have? Maybe I'm just getting a little revenge. Making you rue missed opportunities."
"Oh, I have been," he said dryly, "especially in the last few minutes."