“Lie flat and grip the headboard.”

“No.” She sat on her legs, peering at him. “I can’t tell you what you want to know. Did you hear me? I have no idea why they were sent. All I can think of is that they might have wanted to see the damage firsthand.”

“Did they cause it? Was that van sent in by them?”

“NO!” Her own temper flared again. “I already told you I had no association with those ass**les. It wasn’t some plot to gain your trust. I’m not an assassin either. Isn’t that what you called me? Totally not true.”

He stepped closer. “Look at me.”

She studied him from head to toe. He was semi-aroused and a sight to see when he was na**d and breathing heavily, even if it was because he fought his temper. She could read his emotions by the tense lines of his body and the way his lip curled up just enough to flash a little fang.

“Do I look as if I want to play games?”

“I’m not playing. I made the call, didn’t I? I risked my ass by doing that. It could get me in deep shit but I still did it.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m stupid. Obviously. Look where it’s gotten me. You’re ready to lunge at me again.”

“Tell me something then.”

She swallowed and took a deep breath. “It’s possible they might be looking for someone.”

“She’s not here.”

That caused Kat to frown. “She?”

“The female they seek.”

Why does he think they’re after a woman? “It would be a man.”

He looked surprised. “A male? Species?”

Kat hesitated. “Can you keep this just between us?”

“No.”

“You won’t tell anyone we’re getting it on but you have a problem keeping this secret?”

“Don’t play head games, damn it. Are they after a Species?”

“No.”

He regarded her with suspicion.

“Naked, remember?” She waved her hands at her body. “I promised never to lie to you when we were this way. It’s not a New Species they might be looking for.”

“A task force member?”

She shook her head. “I don’t think so.”

“You don’t think?”

“I don’t know much about this guy, okay?”

“Give me a name.”

The line was there—she could mentally see it between her job and Darkness. “I can’t. That’s asking too much.”

He put his knee on the bed and glared down at her. “Tell me a name.”

“I can’t.” She felt frustration more than fear. “I’m guessing and I’ve already said way too much, Darkness. Give me a break, okay?”

His hand snaked out and gripped her shoulder. He pushed and knocked her over onto her back. She gasped but then he grabbed her legs, yanked her flat. He came down on top of her, pinning her under his weight. They were nose to nose.

“Give me a name.”

“I can’t.”

“Do you know it?”

She nodded.

“Then tell me.”

“I can’t.”

He snarled, flashing those sharp teeth.

“Go ahead and bite me.” She didn’t fight him. He was too strong and she knew it would be pointless. “I still can’t do that without losing my job and getting into a shitload of trouble. Hell, I’m already in it if that phone call ever comes to light.”

Some of his anger dissipated. “Why would you take that risk? Just tell me that, Kat.”

“I don’t agree with some things, okay? I feel protective of the NSO.”

“Were you supposed to look for this male?”

She should have seen that question coming. “I just plan to teach some classes. That’s all.”

“But you were asked to do more?”

She barely nodded. “Not that I’d do it.”

“A human? Just look into my eyes.”

She stared into his dark gaze and shrugged. “I don’t know why he’d be here but I got the impression he wouldn’t hang around if he had a choice. That’s all I can say.”

“A prisoner?” He studied her eyes. “A prisoner. Your eyes widened and you sucked in a sharp breath.”

She closed her eyes. “That’s my assumption. It’s not as if the NSO lets anyone else know what is going on or why they’d keep someone here. I’m done now. I can’t say anything else.”

Darkness leaned forward and ran his nose along her throat, growling softly. “Don’t shut down on me.”

“Don’t push me so far there’s no way back. I did you a solid today, Darkness. Can’t that be enough?”

His lips brushed her ear. “No.”

She wiggled beneath him and opened her hands on his chest. His firm, warm skin felt wonderful. She loved his body and all the memories that came with the last time he’d had her na**d under him.

“Damn you, Darkness.”

“The same to you, my little pretend-cat.”

She smiled. “You’re such a dick.”

He adjusted his legs and shoved hers open, pressing the solid, thick length of his c**k against her thigh. “What about it?”

“I took a risk today. Can’t you just say thank you for the heads-up? That was even after you made me angry in the climbing room. As if I’d go to bed with Jinx. I could punch you for that. I just happen to like you for some reason that escapes me at this moment.”