Page 52 of Seducing Hope (The Hope Legacy)

Archan grins. “It’s an extension of my power, but you do seem extra sensitive. Are you always that sensitive?”

“Quit the flirting.”

“That wasn’t part of your rules, and you’re avoiding the questionagain.”

I massage my left temple, fighting against the dull throb. “I’m sensitive to magic, yes. I can read auras and have an acute awareness of people’s movements.”

“And your fighting skills?”

“Come from training with the best of the best.”

Zee snorts.

“What else can you do?” I ask.

Archan shakes his head. “I’ve not even had a kiss, and you want all my secrets. Anyway, next rule. No more lies.”

My eyes widen. “I’ve never lied to you.”

He continues to analyze me with that stare. “Fair enough. Don’t manipulate the truth or omit facts, then.” I raise my hand to interrupt; without pausing, he puts his hand on top of mine and gently pushes it to the table. “And you will share all facts regarding Khalkaroth.” I frown. “The shadow man,” he clarifies.

“Oh, okay… Well, the same goes for you. No lies or holding back information we need to catch Khalkaroth.”

“Done.”

“No harm is to come to my team.”

“I can’t promise no harm will come to them. I can promise none of my men will harm them, and they will protect them.” My mouth falls open—he’s promising protection for my team? I have to admit, I didn’t expect that. He continues in a tone that dares me to argue. “Jed will work with you.”

“Like a liaison?”

“No, more like a bodyguard.”

I bristle. “I’m more than capable of handling myself.”

“So I’ve seen. But Jed is for my peace of mind.”

“More like a spy,” I mutter.

He ignores me and continues, “You willnotlook for the Jar.”

“Wrong. Khalkaroth wants the Jar, I want Khalkaroth—plus it seems like you need all the help you can get. If it affects humanity, then we have a responsibility to help. Also, I have your final locations from your files, remember? But so long as I get to look over it first if we find it, I’ll give it to you.” It’s my turn to be immovable; I need eyes on that Jar to figure out what is going on and understand his motives. He watches me, gauging if he can dissuade me. Whatever he sees, he decides not to argue. I break the tension. “Is that it?”

“No. Dinner,” he says.

I glance at the empty plates. “I hope you enjoyed it.”

“You will have dinner with me tomorrow night. And I will be calling you Natia.”

I grin. “To the name, yes. To the dinner, no. This is business, not pleasure.”

He leans back in his seat and crosses his arms. “Dinner, tomorrow night.”

“No.”

“Then the deal is off. Good luck finding Khalkaroth. My team will work against yours and put obstacles in your way at every possible opportunity.”

Zee growls.

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