He hit her with his best smile. Her eyes widened. She took a deep breath. 'Oh no, not that seductive face. I'm overcome with the need to take off these awful clothes. What is happening? I do not understand. Oooh. Ahhh.' She touched her wrist to her forehead. 'Somebody help me. I'm being drenched with my own fluids.'

Evil woman.

'See now, you shouldn't have done that,' Kaldar said.

She gave him an innocent look.

'You've made yourself into a challenge. Now I'll have to seduce you out of principle.'

'You can try. Not that you'll get anywhere. If you were in love, that would be one thing, but we both know this is pride talking.' Audrey patted his forearm. 'It's all right. I won't tell anybody about your shameful failure. I'll keep it completely confidential.' She pretended to lock her lips and throw away the key.

'I'll remind you of this when you're collapsing on my sheets, all happy and out of breath.' He leaned closer. "I'm picturing it in my head. Mmm, you look lovely.'

'Whatever fantasies help you get through the day.' Audrey said.

'So kind of you.'

'I'm all about being charitable when it doesn't cost me anything.'

Charity? For me?

Before this was all over, either they would be lovers or they'd kill each other. Right now, he had no idea which it would be.

Ilona Andrews