Page 138 of Elite Metal: Warriors

He nodded. “Of course.”

She put out a lip. “Have you slept with a man…just for a mission?”

His expression was horrifying to her, because it was tinged with revulsion. “Not a man,” he said on a laugh, and relief flooded her.

Then she stilled as a truly horrible thought occurred to her. “Did you sleep with me for the mission?”

“Um… Are we being honest with each other?”

Chagrin rippled. “I should fucking hope so.”

“All right.” He threaded his fingers through hers. “I admit, it started that way.”

She narrowed her eyes. “When did it stop being work?”

“The moment I kissed you. In the elevator. I knew. It wasn’t just work.”

“It wasn’t just work for me either.”

His nostrils flared. “Wait. It was? At some point?”

“Of course. I needed to know if you were following me.”

“I wasn’t!”

“I know that now.”

“But you fucked me to find out if I was following you?”

“Yes.”

He leaned toward her. His muscles bunched in a way that made him look very domineering. It sent a thrill through her. “Do you fuck every man you want to question?”

She batted her lashes. He growled, and she had to relent. “Of course I don’t. But you were…”

“I was what?” A snap.

“You were irresistible.”

He softened. “So were you.”

She leaned in and thumbed his beautiful lower lip. “Is it foolish of us to feel this way, after knowing each other such a short time?”

He chuckled. “I don’t know. I’ve never done this before.”

“What do you mean?”

“This. I’ve never done this.”

“Had a love affair?”

“Had love.” The words seemed to stick in his throat, he had so much difficulty getting them out.

Her heart wrenched. “Neither have I.”

“You had Gregor.”

She made a face. “It is hardly the same.”