He stood among the finer players, more comfortable than Jax in their suites and silks. He had never had any desire to stand among Commanders. There were reasons, oh long lists of them, why Jax ran for any type or military service. He liked a good Captain but despised Commanders. The ones stomping right up were no exception. He had no real clue why anyone from their crew would pretend to be on this man’s arm, Commander MuffenMurray. Surely there were other ways to play this game. But then Jax didn’t pretend to know. He grinned to the Captain, “Lots of fish to catch this night.” Then back to the others. 

“Is it the cool evening temperatures or the fragrances out tonight,” Jax flashed his most brilliant of smiles. “that have loosen tongues and let things not to be heard drift over the floor?” Jax shrugged. “I have good ears.” If he were to spy might as well pretend he did. He looked directly to the two dressed up men of Kings far away. His eyes pretend they knew something even when they did not. Then he turned his look to Captain. 

But he lost any part of his game when to his shock the flower of his night turned and left, quickly, ran actually from all of them. Jax didn't mean to turn and watch her go, but he did. Was she that done with him already? She didn’t like his games? It didn't seems so to him. It was something else. He spun quickly back to the others and laughed. 

“Oh now I have done it!” He let his head fall as he laughed. “I made the mistake of challenging her and she does so like to win.” He opened his arms up as he took a step away from them all. “And she does so, way too often. It’s a game.” Realizing he might be stepping all over his own feet he reached toward the lovely Ms Greene and tapped her shoulder, “Next game you will be it.” He chuckled. gave her a wink, and then spun around.

He would follow. Hell, he was done with this place anyway. Too many soldiers, too many smile that had no depth at all, too much lifted noses and high chins that never looked at the ground or people they trampled on. He had his dance. He could be done. Besdies the best part was leaving. 

So he managed to weave through the room following where he thought she had gone. He wasn’t sure she would want him chasing after her. This was not some rescue, or some fool on a horse trying to save anyone. He was sure when he found her, if he did, he would just walk behind her and let her alone. He should let her alone. Damn if she would just do the same inside his head. Why was he even looking for her? 

Or maybe she was his excuse to leave. Yea, that’s what he will tell himself. 

It didn’t matter when he saw the back side of her exiting Night Blooms he hurried to follow. “I got your back!” he called in an almost sing song sort of call. The slap of her backhand, the coldness of her back shoulders, the retreating back curses he was sure she was mumbling. Still he got closer and he followed.