Xeti moved. He had been perfectly still. If Rache hadn’t already seen him, she would have shrieked and jumped.
She nodded. “Hello, Mr. Xeti.”
“Just Xeti. Are you up to scandalizing the crowd?”
“Only for a little bit. I had a long day.”
He grinned, and she looked at his dark features, red eyes, and white hair. He was narrower than some of the dark elves she had seen while she was on jobs, but he moved well.
She cocked her head. “What do you want to do?”
“I think a foxtrot is right up your alley. Any objections?”
“Let me hike up my skirt here this time.”
He laughed. “Why did you wear a dress like that if you were planning on dancing?”
“I wasn’t planning on dancing. I was just planning on watching and getting out to get my friends off my back,” she murmured as she wiggled her skirt up.
“They dragged you here?”
“They think I am pining for a friend who dumped me.” She checked her skirt and took his hand, and they walked to the dance floor.
“You were dumped?”
“We were never actually dating. He was using me as some kind of data briefing, and when he was done, that was it.”
“Terus.”
“Ah, yes. You know him.”
He looked to the DJ and nodded. They faced each other, and then they were off. The dance floor had cleared when he showed up, so now, they had a lot of space to cover with sensual moves, quick steps, and twirls.
The world spun past, and she clung to him, followed his lead, and was sure that he would catch her if she tripped. The music wrapped around them, and she slowed her movements as she bent back and was swept from left to right. When the song ended, she was pressed against him and breathing heavily. He was sweating lightly, and she caught his scent. She flickered and then got herself back under control.
She smiled, let go of him, and wiggled her dress back into place. “Thanks for that. Have a pleasant night.”
“Allow me to escort you to your car.”
“I am getting a rideshare. This dress is snug, but it has a pocket.”
He paused. “I am getting the urge to forbid you from returning home.”
“Oh, that wouldn’t be a good idea. I would cork your spinneret faster than you can say bachata.”
He paused while she waved goodnight to her friends. She glanced at him, and he was stunned.
Shrugging, she left him and headed for the door.
* * * *
XETI WALKED BACK TOthe control room and office. “Terus, did you tell her what you were?”
“No, of course not. I didn’t want to scare the little thing.”
“She knows. She knows what I am.”
“What? How?” Terus turned to stare at him.
