Clan and Commit - Tracy St. John Page 0,3
sounds like the kind of thing you don’t shake off easily, even if he was asking for it. I can’t imagine what you’ve gone through.”
Before Vax could answer, a large group entered the bar, chattering loudly and swarming the grouping of tables against the far wall.
“I’d better get to work.” Vax started away. “Thanks for listening.”
Once more, Bacoj had to watch the handsome Imdiko walk off. By the time Vax reached the newly arrived customers, he had recovered his pleasant disposition. He took their orders with an easy, friendly manner.
Bad history with a member of his family or not, Vax seemed worth getting to know better. If he’d been able to, Bacoj would have become a regular at the bar to do so.
Stop thinking about that. He said he’s not interested in a relationship.
Not to mention that matter of Bacoj possessing no rank for such an ambitious Imdiko. Besides, he was on the verge of going to war, with his whole future put on hold.
That future, Bacoj’s big dream, had finally been within reach only minutes before the com message arrived to tell him he’d been drafted. The future he’d worked so hard for had been lost before it could be born. It was a bitter pill to swallow.
Then along came Vax. Meeting an Imdiko worth pursuing and not being able to do so was the shit icing on that day’s crap cake.
* * * *
Though he was a stickler for excellent customer service, Vax chafed as the bar grew busier over the next hour. It was only Thirdday, and people would have to go to work in the morning. Yet they flooded in for drinks and conversation, as if a holiday had just begun.
It figures. A gorgeous Dramok with a story I want to hear sits at the bar, and everyone decides they need a drink.
He was kept running between the bar and the tables, but Vax managed to keep an eye on Bacoj. He stopped by to check on him as often as he could. Vax grabbed every opportunity to tease the enticing Dramok out of the morose mood that seemed determined to bring him down. Bacoj’s smile was worth the effort. It lit his chiseled features in a way that sent thrills up Vax’s spine.
His smile, huh? More like those pouty lips.
The thought of how it would feel to kiss those lips wouldn’t leave Vax alone. He bet Bacoj was a hell of a kisser. How could he not be, with those delicious lips?
He’d been joking when he’d inferred Bacoj might make him re-think his commitment to building a career before joining a clan, but Vax had no inhibitions about a one-night stand. Or a few-night stands, if the Dramok’s nicely muscled physique delivered on the promise it made. Ancestors help him, did it ever promise enjoyment.
Vax’s frequent check-ins with Bacoj allowed him to discover they lived in the same cavern complex. That was all he needed to suggest the Dramok escort him home. After all, it made more sense for Bacoj do so than for Deras to go out of his way to be sure Karil wasn’t waiting to ambush him.
At Vax’s request for an escort, Bacoj’s eyes widened. The grin curling those perfect lips told the Imdiko that if he wished, he’d have company to stay up late with. Maybe all night.
Vax was ready to grab his new friend and sprint from Duras’s the instant the next shift arrived. “Ready?” Vax asked as he came around the bar. His heart thumped as Bacoj stood, giving him a better view than before. He couldn’t help but rake him with his gaze.
Taller than Vax, more muscled, Bacoj was all a lusty young fellow who’d not gotten laid in a couple of weeks could hope for. The Dramok was perfectly proportioned, his loose shirt doing nothing to hide his broad shoulders. Vax did appreciate nice shoulders. And wide chests. And strong thighs. And—
“I hope you like what you see.”
Vax flushed, realizing he’d stopped and stared for a little too long. He shrugged, grinning sheepishly. “I do. I wonder if you taste as good as you look?”
“Ancestors, save me.” It was Bacoj’s turn to be awkward. He headed toward the door, walking a little too fast, delighting Vax with overt eagerness. The Dramok hurried so much that he was forced to wait for Vax to join him. It was his turn to blush.
Before they stepped out of the bar, Bacoj playfully warned, “Don’t make statements you’re not prepared to