Page 109 of Ice Devil

I nodded, unsure what all of it meant. “Since the beginning of the discovery of shifters, members of congress have attempted to control your existence and opportunities. They’ve failed miserably. Maybe this is just another backhanded approach at defaming shifters.”

“Most likely it involves betting. There is a lot of money to be made with betting on sports teams. No matter the laws.”

Now I grinned. “You know your stuff.”

“You seem to forget that I have a degree in finance and economics. I won’t be a hockey player forever. No matter what humans like to believe.”

“Ah, you won’t have those sexy muscles for the rest of your life?” Around him, being a cutesy girl was far too easy.

He offered me an expression dripping of challenges.

Ones I might want to accept.

“Oh, I’ll have these muscles, baby.” He lifted his arm, making a fist and showing off his fabulous arm muscles.

“Ooohhh…” I squealed like the girls I’d heard at the games on purpose.

Knowing him a little bit, I expected his goofy expression. What I didn’t expect was for him to tackle me to the ground, pressing the full weight of his body against mine. Or to have the brute yank my arms over my head, collecting my wrists together with one massive hand.

“You truly are one very bad woman.”

“I tried to warn you. So what are you going to do about it?” I shifted back and forth across his groin.

“You seem to forget I have many ways of controlling you.”

“You do, huh? You just think you’re all that.”

“Forget the chips, baby. I’m a bag of Doritos. Extra nacho cheese.”

“Then, Mr. Nacho, you won’t mind helping me creating a nightmare for those responsible for challenging our illustrious careers?”

He seemed surprised I’d asked. Or maybe that I hadn’t asked earlier. “Both my wolf and I will be there with bells on.”

“Could be gnarly.”

His laugh was everything I needed to hear. “Gnarly, huh? You have me hooked.” He lowered his head even more, daring to breathe across my face. The man was on fire. Or maybe I was the one ignited by gasoline.

“Even a bit conniving?”

“I do so love a woman with dubious characteristics.” He even dared to brush his lips across mine.

“Excellent. Partners it is. However, you never answered my question.” With his lips hovering just over mine, I was having some difficulty concentrating on finishing our conversation.

“Which one was that?” With a drag of his tongue from one side of my jaw to the other, my body began to tremble under him.

“Why are we so connected yet have an overwhelming need to fight each other?”

I could swear his grin was as dubious as the ideas swimming around in my mind. “Isn’t it more important in any article or brilliant story to show and not tell?”

“Yes, but can’t you give me a little hint? Pretty please?” I undulated my hips again, just to drive him crazy.

Which it had, the furrow of his eyebrows creating a handsome if not dangerous aura surrounding him. “You do know the term mating?”

“Animals in the wild forming a lifetime bond.”

“Usually,” he grinned. “Sound like something you can tolerate?”

“A little show and not tell?”