I narrow my gaze, having no idea what he’s getting at but sure it’s a trap. Eyes on his back as he leads me down the hall, through the kitchen, and out the back door, all the way past the hot tub perched off the side of the porch, and over to a room, like a converted detached garage that, upon entering, seems equal parts antiquities storehouse and mad-scientist lab.

“I hate to say it, luv, and believe me, I mean absolutely no offense, but you have been known to lie on occasion—mostly on the occasions when it benefits you. And since I’m a man of integrity, since I promised to give you the one thing you truly want more than anything else in the world, I feel it’s only right that we’re both completely clear on just what that is. There’s clearly something odd going on between you and me. Do I really need to remind you of how you threw yourself at me the last time you were here?”

“It’s not—” I start, not getting very far before he holds up his hand.

“Please.” He smirks. “Spare me the excuses, luv. I have a much more direct way of getting the answers I seek.”

I press my lips into a frown, having seen enough TV crime shows to recognize the contraption he’s leading me toward. Fully expecting me to strap myself in and consent to a polygraph test I’ve no doubt he’s rigged.

“Forget it,” I say, spinning on my heel, ready to leave. “You’re just gonna have to take me at my word, or the deal’s off.”

Having just reached the door when he says, “Well, there is something else we can try.”

I stop.

“And trust me, there’s no way to rig this one, especially for people like us. And as it just so happens, it fits right in with all of that metaphysical everything is energy and joined as one crap you’re so enamored of.”

I sigh loudly, audibly, tapping my foot against the floor, hoping to release some of this energy building inside me, as well as clue him in to just how impatient I’m getting.

But Roman’s not about to be hurried, or rushed, or operate on any sort of schedule other than his own. His fingers absently picking at a loose thread on his jacket as he looks me over and says, “You see, Ever, the thing is, it’s been scientifically proven that the truth is always, always stronger than a lie. That if you were to measure the two side by side—pit one against the other, so to speak—the truth would always be the victor. What do you think?”

I roll my eyes, the act alone signaling what I think of that and just about everything else that’s taken place up to this point.

But Roman’s unmoved, determined to play it his way when he says, “And as it just so happens, there’s a very easy way in which to test this—one that cannot be rigged and requires nothing more than your own physiology. Care to try?”

Uh, not really! I start to say, want to say, but the monster is rising and won’t let me speak, which only encourages Roman to continue.

“Now, would you or would you not say that we’re both of equal strength? That among our kind there are no real physical differences in terms of strength and speed between men and women?”

I shrug, never having really thought about it either way and not really interested in starting now.

“So, with that in mind, I’d like to demonstrate something I think you’ll find quite interesting. And, on a side note, I assure you I’m not trying to play you, it’s not a game, and no one gets hurt. I’m sincere about giving you the thing you want most, and this is the best way I can think of to determine what that is. I’ll even go first, so you can see I have no tricks up my sleeve—so to speak.”

He stands before me, arm raised to his side, parallel to the concrete floor. Nodding as he says, “Now go ahead, place your two fingers on my arm and give it a little push downward as I resist and push up. Nothing funny here, I promise. You’ll see.”

My eyes meet his, seeing the challenge in his gaze and knowing I have no choice but to go forward and meet it, since he alone holds the key. I have to play the game, his rules, his way.

I stare at his arm hovering before me, tanned, strong, begging to be touched. And even though I know I can’t do it, can’t contain it, still, I clench my teeth and try. Pressing my fingers against it, the chill of his skin emanating through the soft, silky fabric of his sleeve, causing the dark flame inside me to spark and blaze.

Roman’s voice a soft, thick whisper in my ear when he says, “Feel that?”

I look at him, aware of nothing more than the insistent pulse now thrumming inside me as my body fills with heat. Heat that seeks nothing more than his cool, sweet relief.

“Okay, so now I want you to ask me a question, a simple yes or no question, one that you already know the answer to. Giving me a moment to concentrate on the answer and state it both mentally and verbally as you try to push my arm down with two fingers.”

I glance between my watch and him, knee jiggling like crazy, knowing I don’t have much longer.

But he just nods, arm raised, encouraging gaze on mine. “The truth strengthens, lies weaken—now’s your chance to test that theory on me, so we can then test it on you. It’s the only way to prove what you really do want, Ever. So, go ahead, ask me a question, whatever you want. I’ll even lower my shield so you can read my thoughts and see I’m not cheating.”

He looks at me, the weight of his gaze causing my pulse to quicken and my heart to crash until I can’t—I can’t—

“Ask me a question, Ever.” He peers at me closely. “Ask me anything you want. The sooner we finish with me, the sooner we can get on to you and determine just what it is you desire most.”