“Breathe.”
“Oh,” she nodded. “Thanks. I forgot.” She took several deep breaths and tried to calm down. What was it about her mother’s vicious disapproval that sent her into hysterics? She should be used to it by now.
She took a moment to compose herself.
“I appreciate how decent you’re being about my mother,” she said. “And I know my mother shouldn’t treat me like that, and maybe it’s time that I go out on my own and work for myself, or at least for some other agency. But that doesn’t change what I’m obligated to do, here and now.” She looked him square in the eye. “Once I take on a job, I finish it. Always. That means I’m still looking for the Dragonsblood Ruby, and if I find that you have it, I’m turning you in.”
He winked at her. “I’d expect no less of you.”
She scowled. He could at least look worried, the smug son of a bitch.
“You’re taking this far too lightly. You stole a precious family heirloom. You have no right to it.” Her father had been a thief, and she’d seen the devastation that he’d caused. Families who’d invested their life savings with him losing their homes and businesses. She’d had to go to school with their children. She’d endured their taunts, the food and books they’d thrown at her head. She’d eaten her lunch alone, in the bathroom. She’d figured she’d deserved it. Her father had ruined their lives.
“Well, I’d investigate that ‘precious family heirloom’ thing a little more, but anyway, other than that, carry on. Best of luck. Search away.”
“I’m planning on it. What do you mean about investigating? What should I investigate?”
He countered with, “What fun is it if I do your work for you?”
She frowned at him. “You know, I have had it with your smug attitude. You can let go of me at any time.”No, don’t!part of her cried out. He was so strong and warm and solid. She wanted to stay in his arms forever, but she couldn’t exactly tell him that.
“You can step away at any time,” he pointed out, gently caressing the small of her back with his fingertips.
She couldn’t believe he was being so unreasonable.
“You first!” she said indignantly.
“Oh, no, it has to be ladies first. I was raised to be a gentleman.”
She snorted. “You most certainly were not. You were raised to be a first-class cad.”
“At least you think I’m first class.” He stared down into her eyes. “I could stand here all night. I’m quite enjoying myself. Your move, sweetheart.”
“I hate you very much right now.” She felt that her attempt at a scowl wasn’t convincing enough, but it was hard to glare when she was light-headed with lust.
“I have an alternative proposal,” he said to her.
“I’m listening.”
“Given how very, very much I want to fuck your brains out right now…” she gasped at the crudity of his words, spoken in that rich, cultured voice…”you could try to seduce the truth about the Dragonsblood out of me.”
She should slap him for that. She should definitely storm off in fury. How dare he imply that she’d use sex to get what she wanted? Instead, she stared up at him, dazed with desire. “That is a terrible line.”
“Not my best, not my worst.” He shrugged. “But entirely sincere.” He moved, and suddenly he was pressing up against her, his thick erection rock-hard against her stomach. Oh dear God. He really did want her as much as she wanted him.
“I’m not marrying you… I’m still going to find the jewel and turn you in…” Her breath was coming in pants now, and she was trembling with need.
“Then you should at least grant me this one last wish, shouldn’t you?” He bent down to kiss her.
That doesn’t even make sense,she tried to say, but instead the words that spilled from her lips sounded more like, “I want younow.”
