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“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“You just seem like a man who would have a lot of secrets.”
“No way. I’m an open book. Ask me anything.” When she hesitates, I lock eyes with her. “Go ahead, Pyro. I dare you.”
For a long moment, we stare at each other. The air seems to heat up several degrees, charged with electricity, and I wouldn’t be surprised if steam starts fogging up the windshield. Then she blinks, breaking the strange spell that leaves me very aware of how small this cockpit actually is and how damn good she smells. Soft, like vanilla sugar. My attention moves to her mouth, and the overwhelming urge to kiss her full lips hits me hard. I can feel my unruly cock swell, pressing against my zipper.
I have a hard time believing a woman like Hunter “Pyro” McGrath would turn down a dare—and I’m right.
“Okaaay,” she says slowly. “Anything?”
“Anything.”
“How did you become a thief?”
The tone in her voice sounds almost…judgmental. “Why? You don’t approve?”
“You’re dodging my question, Mr. Open Book.” She dramatically bats her lashes at me as though proving her point.
I can’t help but chuckle. “No, I’m not. I met Addison Mills and her mom when I was eighteen, and they embraced me and taught me everything I know.”
A strange look passes over her face. “Are you guys a couple? Ryland never said, so…” Her voice trails off and she fidgets with her ponytail.
I’d never admit it, but I’m inordinately glad she asked that. I want her to know I’m single as a Pringle, and she can jump me whenever she wants. “No,” I answer. “Just friends who work together.”
“Whostealtogether?”
“My occupation seems to bother you.”
“Being a thief isn’t an occupation.”
Clearly, sheisjudging me. “Why do you care what I do?”
“I don’t.” She flips her hair over a shoulder. “It’s just…I don’t know, breaking the law.”
“Not if you don’t get caught.” Even though I’m teasing, she makes a face.
Yeah, she’s definitely judging me.
“So, you like living on the edge? On the verge of possibly going to jail at any moment?”
“Hunter, sweets, did you ever consider there’s more to my story than what meets the eye?”
Her face screws up. “Don’t call me that. And your story is none of my business.”
“You’re right,” I say easily, “but sometimes things happen that we don’t plan. Like blowing up an airstrip in Kabul.”
Ha. For a long moment she doesn’t comment.
“Forget I said anything.”
“Not everything in this world is black and white. I’d think you know that better than anyone considering you used to fly around a bunch of assassins hellbent on revenge.”
“That’s different,” she says, voice firm. “I never worked for The Agency. I came into the picture after Braxton asked for my help.”
Braxton Graves. I’ve heard the former Delta Force commander’s name mentioned a few times before. Apparently, he’s Ex Nihilo’s fearless leader, and I can’t help but wonder about his and Hunter’s history.
“Were you two ever a couple?” I ask, throwing her question back at her, doing my best to hide the jealousy stirring in my gut.Damn. I can’t remember the last time I was jealous of someone.