Page 8

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.”

“Who steal together?”

“My occupation seems to bother you.”

“Being a thief isn’t an occupation.”

Clearly, she is judging 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.

“Me and Brax? No. Just good friends.”

If I had to guess, Braxton is an upright military man, and except for his time with The Agency, he’s probably perfect in Hunter’s eyes. I turn to face her. Why I care what she thinks is beyond me, but call it curiosity.

“What do you see when you look at me?” I ask bluntly.

Her gaze drops downward. Is she actually checking out my—

“What’s sticking out of your pocket?” she asks.

Oh, right. I pull the puzzle book out and uncurl it. “Something to pass the time.”

She reaches over, plucking it out of my hands, and begins flipping through it. A frown creases her brow and she looks up at me. Surprise fills her eyes. “You solved all these math problems?” I nod. “For fun?”

I shrug. “I like numbers.”

“These are hard. I’m impressed.”

“Is that a compliment I hear?” My mouth edges up, and she hands the book back.

“Don’t let it go to your head.”

“You didn’t answer my question.”

“What question?”

I have a feeling she’s avoiding it. “I asked you what you see when you look at me. Be brutally honest.”

She seems to consider it but holds back. “Are you sure?”

“Absolutely.”

“A scoundrel, a thief, a playboy who’s used to getting what—and who—he wants. Someone who takes more than he gives and relies on his charm and looks far too much.”

“You think I’m good-looking?”

“I didn’t say that.”

Ouch . Guess she’s not holding back.

“A man who is more selfish than not and only concerned about his wants and needs,” she continues. “Someone who is impossible to trust and—”

I hold up my hand, trying not to cringe. “Damn, I’m sorry I asked.”

“Sorry. But you said brutal honesty.”

“I always thought I give a pretty terrific first impression.”

“I bet. Did I mention arrogant? Cocky?”

“Let me prove you wrong,” I say, a challenge in my voice. She thinks she has me pegged, but I have a pretty good read on her, too. And Hunter McGrath doesn’t back down from a challenge.

“What do you mean?”

“I want to show you I’m more than that. When we get back to Denver, let me take you out to dinner.”

As she pretends to consider my proposal, I send her my most charming smile. The one that never fails me. I got this in the bag.

And why wouldn’t she agree? I know she has to feel this attraction between us. I’m certainly not imagining it.

“No,” she answers stiffly.

My jaw drops. No? For a second, I think I hear her wrong. Or maybe she’s even messing with me. But then she turns her attention back out the windshield.

Huh. I can’t believe she just turned me down. Guess there’s a first time for everything.

Lucky for her, I don’t give up easily.