She breathed out. “I once climbed Mt. Rainier.”
He blinked. “Truth.”
Damn it. “I was very much in love with your brother.”
Red flared across Theo’s face, and he took a minute before responding this time. “Lie,” he said thoughtfully.
“I love garlic,” she said, her heart speeding up.
“Lie,” he said instantly.
God. How was he doing that? “I am nearly addicted to Irish whiskey,” she said quietly.
He glanced down her dress. “Truth, but that’s hard to believe.”
Was he guessing? So far, he’d been correct every time. “I want to sleep with you,” she whispered.
He grinned, making him look almost boyish. “Truth.”
Her breath relaxed. “Wrong.”
“No.” He moved toward her. “Feel free to lie to yourself, lady. But that was the truth.”
She couldn’t help but take a step back. Sure, she’d thought about him. More than she should have. But she did not want to have sex with the damn vampire. “You’re such a bastard.”
“True sentiment but a lie overall. My parents were married and mated,” he returned, continuing slowly toward her as if he had all the time in the world.
She stumbled back and held up a hand. “Stop.”
“Why?” he asked, not stopping.
“You’re scaring me, Theo,” she said, trying for simpering.
He stopped cold. “The wimpy tone is bullshit, but Iamscaring you.” His lip quirked as if he wasn’t quite sure what to do with that information. “If scaring you gets me what I want, then I’ll do it. I’m prepared to do almost anything, Ginny. Don’t make me.”
Now he was telling the full truth. Just how far would he go to get back the Benjamin file? For the first time, she actually doubted her ability to get a job done. “I really don’t know what flash drive you’re talking about.” She kept her voice level this time and looked him right in the eye.
“Lie,” he whispered, slowly shaking his head but somehow managing to keep eye contact. “Oh, you’re good. But that was a lie.”
She breathed in and settled her stance beneath the long gown without giving her intent away. “Why don’t we call Jared?” Maybe big brother could talk some sense into Theo.
“He’s on his honeymoon,” Theo said.
She tried to drum up some sense of hurt, but truth be told, she was happy for the vampire. Jared was a good guy, and he deserved happiness. The vamp in front of her was not a good guy, and he had a hell of an ego. Anger pushed through her fear. “I’m not dealing with Reese junior here.” If she could get him angry enough, maybe he’d make a mistake. “Send in the older boys, would you?”
Theo’s smile was predatory, plain and simple. “Sorry. My brothers are busy. You’ll have to deal with me.”
His dark tone licked right across her skin. For years, she’d tried to avoid Theo Reese. He was too smart, too strong…too male. The born soldier in the family. Her damsel act had never worked on him, and that was damn unfortunate. Men were usually idiots, which suited her purposes just fine. Normally. This male…did not suit. “You’re unreasonable, and you won’t listen,” she said softly, breathing in to push out her breasts over the top of the bustier.
His eyes flared, and satisfaction heated through her. Her breath sped up along with her heart rate. When was the last time a man had provided a challenge for her? He might read lies, but she read people, and this male wanted her. She could use that. As much as she might not want to do so, she had a job to do. A critical one. This time, she stepped toward him. “Listen to me, Theo.”
His head lifted, while a veil drew down over his eyes. “I’m listening.” His voice lowered to a hoarse growl.
Her abdomen heated, and her breasts grew heavy. “I—”
He wrapped a warm hand around her neck, stopping her words.
She stilled. How had he moved so quickly? Her gaze snapped up to meet his.
