Justice and Crime

Chapter 4

"You look beautiful tonight," Thomas Keating mused as we walked, arm in arm, into the intricately constructed building. We were walking into a state dinner, complete with mayors, governors, senators, and all the like. Thomas Keating worked in the mayor's office. He was well respected, but had a hard time carrying a conversation. We had gone on a few dates, that seemed rather dry, but to no avail he kept asking me out. I said yes to the state dinner mainly because I wanted to go prior to his invitation.
"Thank you," I peered down at my midnight blue gown that reached for the floor. Thomas' dark eyes looked me over hungrily ensuing a wave of insignificance.
Marble floors spread out underneath us and great chandeliers hung from the ceiling. Dark colored dresses and black suits sauntered around the room chatting aimlessly. Voices buzzed like flies and drinks were passed out by the handful.
Across the room a familiar pair of eyes met mine. Neal Caffrey, clad in a tuxedo, began making his way toward me. My stomach lurched, what was he doing here? I tried to plan an escape, but he definitely saw me. Neal dropped my gaze and was only staring at Thomas who had a wide grin on his face. We hadn't talked since our situation in Central Park and anything that was between us had seemingly disappeared.
"Nick, buddy, I didn't expect to see you here," Neal shook hands firmly with Thomas. A flash of silver from Neal's hand caught my eye. He had dropped a small bug into Thomas' suit jacket. The unsuspecting Thomas seemed none the wiser.
"I just received an invitation yesterday. Who's this gorgeous woman?" Neal turned his attention towards me. His eyes playfully smiled.
Thomas opened his mouth to answer but I interjected, "Alexa Cassano. Nice to meet you. How do you two know each other?" I shook his hand as nonchalantly as I could manage. My insides boiled.
"Nick just started working at the mayor's office this week. He works in PR," Thomas answered.
"What do you do, Alexa?" A boyish smile crossed his face.
"I'm a district attorney for New York City."
"You must have a real passion for justice."
"I have to go say hello to the mayor, I'll be right back you guys," Thomas cut in. He touched my lower back while walking away which produced a slight grimace from Neal.
"So Alexa Cassano, how long have you been in New York?" Neal teased.
"Why the hell did you bug him?" I whispered fiercely.
"Your boyfriend is stealing funds from the city instead of giving it to the Children's Cancer Association. Come on Alexa that's just evil."
"First of all, he's not my boyfriend. Second of all it's not my fault that anyone I'm attracted to is also a criminal."
He opened his mouth to answer, but I spoke first, "You don't have to be so cynical. You haven't caught him yet, you know innocent until proven guilty and all. I think you're still mad at me for not kissing you two weeks ago."
"Alexa," Neal motioned to his ear. Of course, his whole team has been listening to our conversation.
My cheeks burned and I bit back my anger, "I've been in New York for eight years. I think it is truly the greatest city in the world." I smiled innocently.
Neal looked sorry, "Alexa you don't have to do this."
"Isn't New York just such a beautiful city," I said, half heartedly. I would rather continue our conversation when half of white collar wasn't listening to us.
Thomas came back over and the night drudged on. Neal was no nowhere to be seen, most likely by his design. A promising night soon turned into a chore. Grey conversations drifted by. Thomas disappeared for about 15 minutes, he was most likely giving the FBI all the evidence they needed to arrest him. I can't say it affected it me that much.
It all happened like clockwork. Thomas made his way to me and began speaking earnestly about the weather.
"Thomas Keating, FBI, you are under arrest," Peter's voice echoed throughout the hall. Everyone's face turned towards him and me. Silently judging the effigy of justice in the room for being there with a criminal.
Peter glanced at me, I turned my face away not wanting to meet Neal's gaze either. He stood close behind, silently pleading for my attention. With the swish of my dress I disappeared into the crowd and away from the standoff. 
I ascended a series of stairs that led to me to a small alcove that overlooked the ballroom. Hidden in the corner I proceeded to check my phone, while waiting for the opportune moment to make my escape.
"Alexa," Neal appeared at the top of the stairs.
"Do you know how humiliating that was? Did you really have to arrest him in front of everyone, when I was standing right next to him?"
"I didn't know you felt so strongly about him," he answered.
"I don't, he's boring. I only wanted to come to the event."
"I'm sorry, I really didn't know you were going to be here with him. You look beautiful, Alexa." Neal approached me, a sultry look crossed his aggravatingly symmetrical face.
"Thank you," I almost laughed at his ability to effortlessly change the subject.
He moved in closer,"But you're not just gorgeous, you are brilliant and funny. Your laugh is a drug and every word you utter makes me want to draw closer to you."
My gaze softened. He wrapped his strong arm around my waist pulling me even closer. Any protests I had melted away. I tried to think of something to say back, but I was lost in his eyes.
His gentle hand caressed my face, "What are you afraid of?" His lips were inches from mine.
"Falling in love." I leaned in, giving into his kiss. An ocean washed over me as our lips moved in sync with each other. We pulled away, his hand still on the small of my back.
"Are we still on for dinner?" I grinned.
"Of course."