up an escape plan in case they were spotted by anyone feeling adventurous enough to turn Xander in.
The room wasn’t winning any awards anytime soon.
One big bed covered in a 1970s-era-paisley-printed comforter dominated the small room and a small round table with two rickety chairs was pushed against the grimy window. Cobwebs dressed the corners—housekeeping could use a pointer or two—and the floor was stained with various spots of dubious nature.
Oh, yeah, this was a shithole.
Perfect.
“This is the place where dreams go to die,” Scarlett said, the corner of her mouth lifting. “How’d you find it?”
“I just Googled one-star hotels in Tulsa. This gem popped up. I have to be honest, it was between the Nesting Hen Motel and The Flycatcher Inn. Naturally, I went with The Flycatcher Inn because the flycatcher is the Oklahoma state bird. Seemed appropriate.”
She didn’t want to laugh. Nothing about their situation was remotely funny but her insides tickled at the absurdity of Xander’s thought process. Scarlett sobered as her gaze focused on the one bed. “I know you weren’t planning on a traveling companion so I’m not going to bust your balls about the single bed, but let’s be straight with each other right now... I’m not sleeping with you.”
“You’re going to be very tired.”
“Ha ha. You know what I mean.”
Xander seemed to force a rueful chuckle, saying, “Yeah, I guess I do. Okay, no sex. I get it. Keep things professional. Probably better that way.”
“Of course it is.”
“Just for argument’s sake, what if we could both use a little stress-reliever? I wouldn’t hold it against you if you wanted to use me for my body.”
Xander’s earnest expression was totally fake and yet, Scarlett flushed with heat as memories of how good they were together crowded her head. Recovering with a scowl, she reiterated, “No, we need to keep things straight. You and I both agreed sex the first time was a mistake. Now is not the time to start repeating bad decisions.”
Xander sighed and flopped onto the bed, the old springs protesting loudly. “That’s one way to look at it,” he said, folding his arms behind his head. “Or you could look at it this way. It makes sense to deny our chemistry when you’re my boss but technically, right now, we’re equals so what’s the point in denying what we both want? You’re a logical woman. Chew that over for a minute or two and you’ll come to the same conclusion.”
Scarlett didn’t care how he packaged his offer—she wasn’t budging. “Stow it, Scott. This isn’t a damn vacation and you’d best remember that simple fact. You’re walking a fine line and if you don’t start taking this seriously, I’m out. I’m not going to jeopardize my career for a numbskull who doesn’t have the brains God gave a goose to recognize that it’s time to stop messing around.”
That poked a nerve. Xander lost the laughter in his eyes and sat up, his gaze hard. “I don’t need you to tell me that I’m in a screwed situation. I’m the one with his ass in a vise. I didn’t ask you to come along. You did that all on your own so don’t lecture me on consequences. I’m well aware of what’s at stake.”
“Then start acting like it.”
“Jesus, Rhodes, just for once could you pull that damn stick out of your ass? I get it, things are ugly and I’m staring down a good chance of being thrown in prison for a crime I didn’t commit—I get it—I sure as hell don’t need you shoving that fact down my throat just for shits and giggles.” Xander grabbed his coat and stalked from the room, slamming the door behind him.
Scarlett let him go. It was her job to hold the line, to be the cool head in a situation, even if that meant sacrificing her feelings and needs.
This was no different.
Yeah, sure, in a perfect world where there weren’t any consequences for sex with a subordinate she’d be riding that bad boy all day, but they didn’t live in a perfect world and the consequences were too severe to mess with for a few moments of pleasure.
Moments. Ha! Of course, she meant figuratively. Xander was no one-pump chump or minutes-only man.
A shiver tickled her skin. She rubbed at the goosebumps rioting along her forearm. Enough of that. Grabbing her burner phone, she texted Xander.
Bring food when you come back.
No sense in starving. They needed fuel to power their brains and bodies.
Maybe if she satisfied her physical hunger with a loaded cheeseburger, she’d mute the dull roar of desire that was a serious distraction for them both.
Maybe.
“The arrest warrant was issued two weeks ago. Why aren’t we going after this guy?”
FBI Special Agent Conrad Griggs knew this had been coming but he’d hoped for a little more time. He owed Scarlett but he didn’t know how much longer he could keep the heat off Scarlett’s team while they handled things on their end.
“Red Wolf asked if they could handle the situation internally. Out of professional courtesy, we agreed to let them have time to bring in Xander Scott on their own.”
Senior Director Paul Platt wasn’t known for his leniency or his compassion so his irritation wasn’t unexpected, but Conrad was surprised that Platt was even aware of this case.
“Terrorists don’t get professional courtesy. The man is guilty of killing a US senator and a handful of civilians. He gets no quarter from this agency or any other agency employed by the US government. Am I clear?”
Conrad shifted in his seat, uncomfortable. “As far as I know, Xander isn’t guilty until a court of law determines him to be.”
“Don’t play word games with me, Agent. This situation looks bad for everyone. There’s a lot of heat coming down and people higher up than me want this man’s head on a plate. McQuarry was a respected and well-loved senator. Someone’s feet are going to be held to the fire and right now, those feet belong to Scott.”
Reading between the lines, Conrad knew that meant it didn’t matter if Xander was innocent. He fit the bill for the crime and people wanted this to go away, neat and tidy.
“And if he’s being framed?”
“Who the hell would want to frame some nobody for a crime like this?” Platt asked, his tone incredulous. “Have you read Scott’s file? He’s a ticking time bomb. Honestly, I’m surprised it took him this long to snap.”
Conrad didn’t know Xander well but he trusted Scarlett and Scarlett never would’ve allowed a loose cannon on her team.
“Maybe that’s the point,” Conrad suggested with a shrug. “He looks good for the crime...maybe too good. Things usually don’t fall together that easily.”
“Easy?
