Page 52 of Dark Lover

“Lord Maclean, I’m working with Sam, even if she isn’t very happy about it.”

Sam watched her bat her gooey lashes at Ian, smiling and attentive, as if she really were interested in him. But Jan was always turning it on that way, to both men and women, making everyone adore her. Men thought she wanted them, women thought she was their best friend. The act was so good, everyone believed it.

He grinned and looked at Sam. “An’ why would Sam be unhappy to have ye working with us? The more the merrier. And it’s Ian, Ms. Bentley.”

Sam didn’t try to hide her disgust. “I figured you’d be doing cartwheels. So, Jan, are you ready to perform? Think you have the guts? We’re booked tonight and it’s X-rated. The virginal act will have to go. Either that, or you can stay home.”

“But Hemmer wants entertainment,” Ian replied. “I think he’d like Ms. Bentley.”

Sam felt like kicking him where it really hurt. “Ian? Close your mouth. Barbie doesn’t get down and dirty. It’s all a sham.” Sam smiled triumphantly at Jan. “The better to lead you guys on, right, Barbie?”

“Okay, what am I missing?” Jan demanded. “Exactly what are you planning for tonight, Sam?”

“Ian and I have a date with evil,” Sam said flatly. “Hemmer wants us to get it on while he watches. If you’re coming, you’ll need to come. If you get what I mean.”

Jan said tersely, “Sam, do you try to make me hate you? I believe in giving everyone the benefit of the doubt, but it’s becoming impossible to do so with you. And you know what? Nick won’t leave you on this case alone. So if I tell him I can’t work with you, guess what?” Her eyes flashed.

Sam breathed hard. “That’s blackmail.”

“We work together or we won’t work at all! You can mock me at every turn and make fun of my morals, but I happen to have a strong code of ethics. That won’t change, not for you, not for Hemmer and not for anyone.”

Sam felt somewhat chagrined. “Good. Then stay home tonight.”

Jan shook her head, disgusted. “Why on earth would you agree to go to Hemmer’s, on any terms?”

“Guess you missed my report. There’s evil in the vault.”

Jan’s eyes widened.

“Rupert likes me,” Sam said. “He’s offered me a viewing, which will get me into the vault. And he told me to bring Ian so we can have a party.”

Jan absorbed that. “We got back the labs. Hemmer is one hundred percent human. Not a drop of unusual DNA.”

Sam looked at Maclean, who was seriously interested in their exchange now. He said pleasantly, “I could have told ye that and saved ye time and yer tests. But he’s still dangerous.”

“I have no doubt.” Jan smiled. “Nick is waiting.”

Sam wondered if Jan could actually play Ian. As Jan led the way toward Nick’s office, she said, “By the way, thanks for the hot car.”

“So ye like it.” He seemed pleased.

“Oh, I like it. Maybe I’ll even give you that ride.”

Jan paused at Nick’s door to let them walk inside past her. Nick was waiting for them, his hip on the edge of his desk. She knew from his too calm, oh-so-pleasant expression that he was in his I Am Going to Win At All Costs mode.

She forgot about Ian’s interest in Jan. She tensed, glancing at Ian. Maclean wore a nearly identical poker face. But his eyes were as cold as ice.

The energy in the room was hot, male and amping up. Two superbulls were waiting to impale one another. And the worst part was, they both had the otherworldly power to do it.

“Tell the women to leave,” Ian said.

“Nice to meet you, too,” Nick said. “But the ladies can stay.”

“I have an offer fer ye.”

“Everything said in this room stays in this room.”

Ian’s face hardened.