Everything about Axton tore through Xenia’s barely functioning emotional filters like a laser cutter through steel.
She stood, her hands behind her back, staring over his shoulder.
“Sit down. You don’t have to jump up every time I enter a room.” He pulled off his suit jacket. “Did you find anything?”
She sat, her gaze drawn to the way his white shirt contrasted with his dark-bronze skin and how his trousers pulled tight over his?—
Xenia!“Not yet.”
“The clock’s ticking,” he said.
She stiffened. “Iwillfind it.”
He held up his hands. “I don’t doubt your abilities, Xenia. In fact, I respect the hell out of them.”
She blinked and watched him warily as he stalked closer.
“Show me what you do have.”
She nodded. He stood over her shoulder as she showed him the documents on the screen, and outlined the things she’d ruled out. He made a few humming noises in his throat. But all she could think about was the fact that he smelled so good.
He reached forward to point at the screen. “I think we can discount this.”
He was in her space, so close that she could feel the heat of him. She kept her face blank, her hands curled together in her lap. This insanity would pass. It had to.
“Do you ever wear this down?” He fingered a strand of her hair.
She jerked her head to the side and looked back at him. “No touching.”
His gaze sharpened on her. “Why?”
“Because.”
“Not a very precise answer for a CenSec.”
“I don’t want you touching me.”
He leaned down until his face was a whisper away from hers. “Really? Why do I get the impression you’re lying to me?”
“Prime Saros.” The office computer’s modulated voice filled the room. “Your next appointment is here.”
“Thank you.” He tilted his head and focused back on Xenia. “What’s your next step in the investigation?”
“I’m going to head out and take a look at the location where the Rahl had their base here in Haxx.”And get out of your office and away from you.
“Great. Computer, reschedule my appointment.” Axton looked at Xenia. “I’m coming with you.”
“No, I don’t?—”
“I’m. Coming.”
Xenia gritted her teeth. “Fine.”
CHAPTER TWO
Xenia pulled the transport to a stop in front of a large warehouse. She studiously ignored the man beside her. Instead, she focused on the empty building.
When the Rahl had attacked, they’d targeted the planet’s CenSecs and taken Axton hostage as leverage. Then they’d overtaken this warehouse belonging to one of the academies as their base.
