Page 57 of Dark Lover

“Of course you do.” Sam looked at Ian. “Please don’t tell me you’re falling for the good cop, bad cop routine?”

“Why would I mind talking with a beautiful woman?” He stared coldly at her.

“Because you don’t like talking?”

“Ye talk all the time.”

“Yeah, and it pisses you off.” Sam turned to Jan. “Have you pissed him off yet, or do you have a free pass?”

“I am not abrasive, unlike some people. I happen to believe in talking. It’s called making a deal, by the way—not foreplay.”

“I’ll take the foreplay. And so will Ian, by the way. So good luck—you’ll need it.” Sam said flatly. Then she turned her back on Jan. “Am I right, Maclean?”

Ian’s face tightened. He looked down at her supershort dress again. “Ye still plan on going to Hemmer’s? Or did ye dress fer me?”

“I’m going to Hemmer’s. How could I refuse that invite?”

He darkened.

“What’s wrong? Is my coworker boring you? I really don’t want to interrupt your rational, sex-free discussion. Maybe I should go. I didn’t realize our little sex date was off,” she lied.

He grasped her arm. “Ye won’t go to Hemmer’s alone.”

“Why not? I can certainly provide enough entertainment without you. I’m sure he’ll tape it. If you’re nice to him, maybe he’ll even make you a copy.” He was still angry, she thought. She couldn’t believe it, but she wouldn’t mind seeing his old arrogant, oversexed self again.

“Why do ye care so much about the evil in the vault? Why not just leave it be?”

“It’s my nature, Maclean, like it’s your nature to have Jan over for a drink. She won’t make you happy tonight, Maclean.”

He suddenly pulled her close. “But ye will?”

Sam met his hard, intense gaze. His tense, muscular body quivered against hers in that way she really liked. “I’ve been thinking about it,” she said softly. “I’ve been thinking about two hundred million dollars’ worth of sex.”

He slowly smiled. “Maybe I’ve let ye think about it fer too long.”

“A challenge,” she murmured. “I love challenges. Maybe you have.” She was hollow inside. His lust was all mixed up with the anger and the fear—she somehow knew it—and it was raging.

She knew where that rage could go.

Really, really deep inside.

“So come to Hemmer’s with me so we can play,” she murmured.

“I’m in no mood to be teased tonight,” he warned.

She did not look away from him. “Then why is she on your sofa?”

“Challenges,” he shrugged. He whispered, “I’d never let ye go to Hemmer’s alone.”

Her heart soared. Sam was acutely aware of his hard body against hers now, throbbing. “I didn’t think so.”

For one moment, his gaze became searching. He released her. “Some fear would serve ye well, Sam. So would caution.”

Sam laughed softly. “From one reckless soul to another.” She grinned at Jan. “So have you two reached an understanding? Got the position all mapped out? I mean, all laid out?” She was aware of his hard hip, his hand still on her waist.

Jan stood, clearly annoyed. “In a way, we have. We’re going to finish our drinks, Sam. Privately. He was much calmer and more reasonable until you showed up. Your evening at Hemmer’s can be postponed.”

Like hell, Sam thought. She opened her purse. Ian watched her like a hawk as she handed him the DVD. “I think she’s kicking me out.”