Made You Look
Alex had thought long and hard about this meeting, and how to get what she wanted out of it.
The pool served two purposes, only one of which was business. If his anklet was wired, as soon as it hit the water it would be ineffective. If he had some other wire on him, she'd see it as he stripped. And if the wire was in his clothes, the ambient noise inside the pool enclosure would make it impossible to hear anything. Not that Alex thought Neal was bringing a wire. But she was careful, and Neal expected that, so best to keep up appearances.
Alex didn't expect him to protest her methods too much. He needed her intel to rescue his darling Kate, so he'd go along with just about anything. It was just galling to see him mooning over her, thinking she was some damsel in distress. If he only knew half of what she'd gotten up to while he'd been in prison … But, that was why Alex was helping him. The sooner he got back to Kate, the sooner he'd see she wasn't quite the fair maiden he made her out to be. Then he could get on to something better for him.
And that was the second of her purposes. She needed to know where she stood on Neal's radar. He'd come to her for help on this, even pursued her when she initially said no … potentially a good sign. But, of course she'd come to mind when he started looking for the music box. They had been in on the Copenhagen deal together after all. Everyone else that had been there was either dead or in prison, so it wasn't like he had options. Either way, it didn't tell her anything about what he thought of Alex Hunter the woman. That was what she was here to find out.
The text was sent, he was on his way. No backing out now. Alex slipped into the water, noting that it was cool, but not cold. Perfect, really. She swam a few laps, luxuriating in the feel of the water on her skin. Swimming naked was such a sensuous pleasure. One of Neal's favorites, as she recalled.
Ah…Think upon the devil, and he appears.
Neal objected weakly, as expected, but gave in, as expected. His face was a pleasant, almost amused mask, conceding that she had him right where she wanted him, and he had no choice but to play along. He undressed quickly, revealing his gorgeous body bit by bit, and if Alex's look turned a little predatory, well, who could blame her? It was quite the show. But he was all business once he surfaced from his dive. His eyes stayed locked on her face. He ignored her attempts to get him to look elsewhere. He even pretended not to notice when her foot stroked his leg as she tread in the water.
Alex Hunter, partner in crime.
It was a disappointment.
"Question for you. I know why I'm naked … why are you?"
Then again, maybe not.
He'd both noticed and acknowledged. Maybe there was room to hope.