Dangerous Games (Riley Jenson Guardian 4)

"What's his name?"

"Her name. Trudi Stone." I studied him, but caught no reaction to her name. Though why I was expecting one, I couldn't say.

"Hang on a sec, and I'll go check when she's next on." He walked down to the middle of the bar, served a man who was giving me a more than casual look over, then disappeared inside a small office. He came back out a few seconds later. "According to the roster, she isn't back on until tomorrow night."

"Damn, I swear she said she was on today." I put the coffee down and crossed my arms on the counter, leaning forward a little to give him a better view of my breasts. Hey, he was sexy, and I might as well enjoy myself while scavenging around for information. I certainly couldn't risk trying to read his mind here - not when there were security cameras everywhere. My telepathy might be strong, but anyone could be watching, and it would only take one person to notice the momentary stillness of the bartender as I searched his mind for things to go ass up. Better to do that sort of thing when I had him alone. "So, when are you back on?"

His gaze went from my face to my boobs and back again. Amusement curved his very kissable lips. "When do you want me on?"

"How about tonight?"

"It'd be my pleasure."

I raised an eyebrow. "It had better be mine, too."

He chuckled softly. "Oh, I guarantee it. But I do need a contact number."

"If you've got the pen, I've got the number."

He produced a pen and a bit of paper from under the desk and slid both across the counter with his left hand. For the first time, the ring on his finger was fully visible.

On the flat silver surface was a three-headed dragon with wicked claws and bloodred eyes.

Just like the ring I'd found in the dust at Dunleavy's place. "Nice ring," I murmured after a momentary pause, then casually picked up the pen and wrote down my cell phone number.

"This old thing?" He wriggled his fingers under the lights, so that the fiery eyes of the dragon heads glittered and burned. "It's just a club ring. Not worth much, but it catches the attention of pretty girls."

If he was lying, I couldn't sense it. Not that that meant anything. He was human, after all. "So it's a conversation opener?"

"It always helps to have one." He picked up the paper and tucked it neatly into his shirt pocket. "What time would you like to meet?"

I picked up my coffee and sipped it again. "What time do you finish here?"

"Seven."

"Then would nine suit?"

"Perfectly. Shall we meet somewhere for coffee or just go out tor dinner?"

"Dinner." I paused. "There's an Italian place over on Rathdown Street. Small and intimate. Goes by the name of Riceni's."

He nodded. "Good choice."

"I always make good choices." My voice was a low purr, and heat rose in his eyes. I gave him a slow smile. "In the meantime, would you know if the restaurant upstairs is still open?"

"It never closes. If you head up the stairs now, I'll ring the chef and tell him to 'look after you."

"Thanks." I slid off the stool, picked up my coffee, and headed up the stairs - fully aware of Jin's hungry gaze following me and enjoying every minute of it.

The chef did indeed look after me, giving me a steak that sliced like butter and lashings of chips and vegetables. It was one full but happy wolf who headed out onto the street an hour later.

Once in the car, I retrieved my phone, pressed the vid-enable button, then dialed the Directorate. Jack, not the caramel cow.

"Hey, boss man, it's Riley."

"Good grief, she's reporting in. Miracles do happen."

I grinned. "I can be a good little wolf when I want to be."