The man didn’t know how to smile. Stacey was convinced of it, and the more she explained about the liotaur, the deeper the frown on his face got. So deep she wondered if it was a permanent affliction.

“So, in summary, sweetcheeks, my role is to dig up dirt and dangle myself as bait, while you, acting as my dopey older brother, stay out of the way.”

“I’m pretty sure I’m supposed to keep you from coming to harm.”

“You, act chivalrous?” She smiled. “I wouldn’t want you to hurt yourself.” She patted his cheek. “But tell you what, if you really want to give chivalry a shot, then feel free to carry my bags and fetch me drinks.”

“I’m here as your bodyguard, not your personal butler.”

“I don’t require a guard. I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself, not to mention I don’t need you messing things up. How am I supposed to seem abductable if you’re always around scowling?”

“I don’t scowl.”

“You don’t smile either.”

“How’s this?” He showed a lot of teeth.

She recoiled. “Don’t do that. You’ll give people nightmares.”

“Funny, I would have said the same of you. When the pride comes around, it’s batten down the hatches and hide your fragile belongings.”

“Because we know how to have a good time. You should take lessons.”

“From who? You?” He snickered. “What makes you think you’re better than me?”

Did he really need an answer? “I’m a lion, so of course I’m better than you. I’m better than just about anyone other than another lion.” She rolled her eyes in a duh fashion.

“Felines have got to be the most exasperating animals to deal with,” he mumbled.

“Thank you. It’s on account we’re so regal and intelligent.”

“More like pea-brained and oblivious.”

“No wonder you’re single, sweetcheeks. That is not how you charm a lady.”

“I’m sorry, was there a lady around here?” He looked around, and she had to laugh.

“Naughty, naughty. You can pretend, but I have a hunch you like what you see.”

“I’d get your hunches checked out by a pro because I am going to state, right now, I have no interest in getting a house cat.”

“Not even if I told you I had a fetish for licking skin?”

“Not even if you cooked and cleaned.”

Her nose wrinkled. “Ugh. Why would I do that? You see these hands?” She held up her perfectly manicured fingers. “These hands aren’t made for hot soapy water or gross sponges.”

“Then what are you good for?”

“Many things.”

“Such as? What’s your job?”

“Event coordinator for the pride.”

He snorted. “So you’re a party girl. What a surprise.”

“I’ll have you know my position with the pride is complicated. It’s not easy getting large gatherings to go off without a hitch.”

“You mean you can’t just throw down a side of beef and ring a bell?”

Her lips twitched. “Depends on the occasion.”

“So, if this case is so serious, why send you? Don’t they have a security team better equipped for this?”

“Arik wants to keep this quiet until he knows what’s going on. He’s most perturbed that people have been keeping it a secret from him. This investigation is being done on the down-low. Which is where I come in. My job as event coordinator looking to put together a wedding is going to give me access at the resort to things we might not see as guests.”

“Seems awfully complicated. A woman is missing. Why not just hunt the fellow down and fetch her back?”

“Because no one has been able to find a trace. A rainfall wiped the place clean. Not a single scent has been located.”

“Bet you I could find one. Give me a day.”

“You want to go looking? Go ahead. It will at least keep you out of my path.”

“You’re really arrogant, you know.”

“And you’re not?” she said with a teasing smile.

“Not my fault I’m superior to you.”

“If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were a lion.”

He shuddered. “Now that’s just being mean.”

“You’ll take offense at that, and yet you’re the one who’s been insulting me at every turn.”

“I don’t want to be here.”

“So you keep saying and yet…” She crouched down in front of him, placed her hands on his taut thighs, and smiled. “I can tell when a man is interested in me.”

His gaze met hers, the spark within a sign. “I’d have to be dead to not want to fuck you. But I don’t need to like you to do that. A pussy is a pussy.”

“But we’re not all made the same.”

“Turn off the lights and there’s no difference.”

“You’d know it was me. I guarantee it, sweetcheeks.”

“Doubtful. Women are all the same.” He didn’t say it as if it were a positive thing.

She’d have to change his mind. “Another challenge. What fun.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I’m talking about the fact you keep tossing down the gauntlet. Well, guess what, sweetcheeks, I am picking that gauntlet up. By the end of this trip, not only will we be lovers, you’ll like me. A lot.” Heck, if Mr. Cool and Arrogant played his cards right, she might even extend their fling past their sojourn on the island.

“I thought I wasn’t your type.” He held up his hands. “Callused fingers.”

“There’s manicures for that.”

“I don’t want to be your boyfriend.”

“I never said your lover status would be permanent. I doubt you’ll keep me entertained for long, which will suck for you when I move on.” She stood and walked toward the cockpit.

“Or, maybe, princess, you’ll be the one asking me to stay, and I’ll be the one leaving you high and dry.”

Her, fall for a man who thought she should carry her own luggage? Never.

“Strap in, sweetcheeks, we’re starting our descent.” And the game to see who would win started now.