It wasn’t the right time for foolish thoughts about a lady he’d never see again. It was obvious she wasn’t a student, or a faculty member. And with everything he had on his mind, there was no way he could indulge in any kind of pursuit.
Between his work at the university and his personal research, he had enough on his plate, let alone the danger that had skyrocketed into his life last night.
The Vigilante came to his mind. The dark figure hadn’t stopped invading his thoughts from the moment he’d faced him.
Again, Luke clenched his teeth as he entered the lecture hall; being distracted or horny wouldn’t help, and there would be time after his lecture to right his newfound obsession.
“Good afternoon, everyone. Please forgive me for being late, but I hope you’re ready for this lecture, because you’ll be bombarded with information. I’m Professor Lucian Radcliffe, and welcome to the lecture titled Urban Design: Justice vs. Criminality.”
His leather bag on the desk, Luke pulled his tablet out and plugged it in for the presentation. Only then did he remove his coat and look at the assembled crowd with a smile.
As he expected, most of his usual people were there, as well as his grad students. “Today, I’ll show you how the design and architecture of a city influence security and police intervention, but also criminals. We’ll do an overview of how that same design evolves over time, either to the benefit of justice or the mob.”
As he scanned the students, his eyes caught on the side of the room, by the wall, where the blonde woman was seated.
Luke blinked a few times, and it was clear by the woman’s expression that she was as surprised as he was. It took a solid dose of self-control to return to the task at hand and start his lesson.
Despite all his questions, and his irresistible temptation to look in her direction every five seconds, Luke willed himself to resume his presentation. The topic he was passionate about soon took over, and the words flowed easily.
When he’d returned from war, broken and alone, studying had been his saving grace, his new purpose, but one that had its limits. Sharing his passion with others was his true purpose, and one that brought him a sense of peace during restless nights.
Chicago had become his home when he’d started university, and that link had deepened with the urbex. It was like going under the skin of a mythical beast—the more he explored and dug, the more he wanted to know and inspire people to become as obsessed as he was.
The attention of the participants intensified, and it felt like a drug to him, as if everyone were on the edge of their chair, hanging on to his every word. He checked the blond beauty to see her leaning forward as well, her lush mouth open, her attention solely on him. He suddenly felt like they were the only people in the room. How could a woman he’d briefly exchanged a few words with hook him to such extent?
It was time to wrap up before he realized it. Students swarmed around him, pulling at him with more questions and he lost sight of the blonde. The crowd trickled out until, to his surprise, the only two people left in the room was himself, and the blond, now standing by the door.
“Would you have a few minutes for me, Professor Radcliffe?”
His dick jerked, his imagination going straight to the gutter before professionalism and civility took over. “Are you here to sue me because I bumped into you? If that’s the reason, you didn’t have to stay for the whole lecture.”
She shook her head and approached with a full-blown smile. “I’m fine. It takes more than that to hurt me. And let me remind you that you caught me before I fell. I didn’t get the chance to thank you for that. You have quick reflexes, and that saved me a few bruises on my butt.”
Crossing his arms, he leaned against the desk behind him. “So you came to thank me? Endured my entire lecture to do so?”
“I was surprised twice. I very much enjoyed your lesson. I didn’t know they taught urban studies at university.”
“Most of humanity lives in urban areas, which makes it a fascinating field of study. You can see it through the filter of history, environment, architecture, social studies, or health.”
“And it’s clear that history and architecture are the two filters you’re most interested in.”
As she spoke, intelligence and interest shone through her eyes, and something more Luke couldn’t put his finger on. “You said I surprised you on two things. What is the other?”
A faint blush came to her cheek, almost indiscernible. “I thought with all your accomplishments, you’d be older.”
“I’m not that young, lady.”
At least she had the good form to wince. “Okay, a lot older. Like decrepit.”
Luke couldn’t help but laugh. “Well, I doubt my previous self would’ve been able to stop your fall. Now, there’s one question I’d like to ask, apart from your name. Why were you looking for me?”
The easy-going, almost flirtatious connection dissipated, and a newfound intensity took its place. “I work with a security company in Chicago who’s looking at securing buildings recently broken into through the old tunnels. We researched on our own, but we need to better understand those tunnels, and your name was mentioned as the best around. We need your help.”
All his good humor fled at her words. It wasn’t the first time that a security firm had come to him for consulting work. Some even came in disguise, hiding the fact they were criminals, wanting to know more about the underground network and how they could use it for their trafficking. He didn’t know which of them this woman was working for, but he had no intention of accommodating her.
“Miss-whoever-you-are, I have a lot of work to do here, and have no time for side jobs. If you want more information, you can read any of my papers that are available online.”
Luke prepared himself for some arguing, but the lady only nodded. “I understand. Please, allow me you give you my card if you ever change your mind.”
The nameless woman came closer and put a business card on the desk beside him before leaving. The sound of her heels soon vanished, and Luke exhaled, a little disappointed after expecting the usual argument.
As he went behind his desk to put his stuff into his bag, the business card lay there ominously, calling to him. When he took it, twirling it in his fingers, noting the only thing printed on it was a name and phone number which was as mysterious as the woman herself.
Noctem Consulting
He should tear it up and throw it away, but instead, he slid it inside his pocket. Who was this woman and this company? Why did they want him to do a consultation?
Luke was only a civilian now and he wasn’t the Vigilante but with his instincts screaming at him and so many questions forming in his mind, he wouldn’t stay idle while lowlifes hit his city, even if they did come in the form of a stunning, unforgettable blonde.
Chapter 4
Dripping in sweat, arms throbbing, and lungs on fire, Sloane abandoned the punching bag and paced, her wrapped hands on her hips.
The exertion felt good, grounding her, and as many of the team members were using it at the moment, it was a noisy atmosphere.
On the mat, Lance, Joshua Chadwick, and Melina Gardner were repeating attack drills over and over, until muscle memory kicked in. Preparation and constant training were vital, as in the field, they not only fought criminals, but often, the police as well. Apart from each other, they had no allies.