John smiled. “Fair enough.” He edged a bit closer. He had a shot of what Zack thought was Jaeger in one hand and a vodka-Redbull in the other. He tossed the shot back nonchalantly and set the glass on a nearby table before switching his drink to his dominant hand. He then snaked his free arm around Zack’s waist.

Zack arched an eyebrow but otherwise didn’t comment. He’d decided he wanted to get laid tonight, after all, and John was both attractive and the only person who’d approached him so far. Granted, that could be because John had claimed him the moment he’d walked through the door, but Zack wasn’t complaining. It wasn’t like he was holding out for the highest bidder.

Alexa folded her arms over her chest and gave John a pseudo-austere look. “So, young man, what are your intentions toward my Zack?”

John took a sip of his drink and grinned. “Will I lose points if I admit they’re not the purest?”

“With this group? Absolutely not. If anything, I think more highly of you now. I like a man who’s direct.”

“Speaking of group,” Zack said, “where the hell is—”

The door leading into the club opened, and Kira poked her head out. “Here you guys are. I’ve been looking all over for you.”

“Damn, I have good timing,” Zack said, crushing his cigarette out in an ashtray and holding his arms open. “C’mere, beautiful.”

Kira bounded over and hugged him. “Someone’s had a few drinks.”

“A few? What do you take me for? I’ve had at least six.”

Kira turned to Alexa next and whistled. “He-llo.”

Alexa blushed and said, “Right back atcha, sweetheart.”

“She’s right,” Zack agreed. “You look hot.”

“Thanks.” Kira held the skirt of her dress out as if she were about to curtsy. “I feel like a hipster, but I love this color.” The dress was powder blue and made of airy tulle that reached to her knees. She’d paired it with pink pastel heels and wore her thick braids loose around her shoulders. The soft colors contrasted beautifully with her dark skin.

Zack nodded. “I give it two thumbs-up.”

“I’d say the same to you, but you look good no matter what you have on, lucky bastard. Or what you have off, for that matter.” Just then, Kira noticed John. “And who is this?”

John removed his arm from around Zack’s waist and held it out to her. “Enchanté. I’m John.”

Kira glanced at Zack. “John, you said?” Zack shook his head microscopically. She nodded and turned her gaze back to John. “How do you two know each other?”

“We had a class together about two years ago.”

“I didn’t think Zack was in school long enough to have any classmates.”

Zack stuck his tongue out at her. “Harr harr.”