But that wasn’t the question and she knows it.
Margot Blackthorn isn’t stupid.
I fold my arms and wait.
Her gaze bounces off my chest.
Again, there’s a challenge in her eyes. Like she’s sizing me up in a very physical, visceral way.
When she inhales, her shoulders tighten.
“It’s my house,” she says.
“I’m aware. Just like I’m sure you know there are laws on the books that say you don’t barge in on paying guests unannounced. Blackthorn or not, you’re not goddamned royalty, duchess.”
Her face goes crimson as she pinches the bridge of her nose and sighs.
“I know that. You don’t enter without probable cause. It’s just… it’s my responsibility to look over everything and make sure it’s safe. Structurally sound. I wanted to check everything after that mess with the stairs.” Her voice is cool and composed, confident, and she doesn’t look away.
She’s a decent liar, I’ll give her that.
Only, the fact that she’s bluffing kicks anger through my gut.
If there’s one thing I hate, it’s bullshitters.
“Uh-huh,” I say, matching her tone. “You didn’t tell me you were a building inspector.”
“Oh, I know some basics.”
Like hell.
“So is it, in your words, ‘structurally sound’?”
“Yes.” Her eyes skitter away from my face. “Couldn’t find anything too concerning when I knocked around.”
“Good thing you checked. It’s nice knowing the walls won’t erupt with rats who’ll eat me in my sleep.”
She laughs too hard at that.
Her shoulders are still stiff, but she offers me a smile. “Well, I’ll get out of your hair.”
I don’t move from blocking the doorway.
“Not until you tell me what you werereallydoing.”
“Are you calling me a liar?”
“I sure as hell don’t think you’re being real.”
For a second, the corner of her mouth twitches before she wrestles it back under control. “I guess you got me there.”
“Guess I did. So what are you really up to, Margot?”
Her nose wrinkles as she sends a wry glance at me. “It’s embarrassing…”
“Try me.”
“It’s like you said… mice.”
