His

Interrogation Is The Greatest Form Of Flattery

"I want to know more about you."

My face scrunched up in the mirror, toothbrush sticking out of my mouth. Through the mirror I stared at Lochlan in the bedroom. Rinsing out my mouth, I came into the room. He was waiting for me expectantly and I smiled nervously.

"Do I get to ask questions too?"

He smirked and his lips reminded me of the Cheshire cat.

"Of course. You can ask whatever you want. Doesn't mean I'll answer them."

I rolled my eyes but saw it coming. I climbed onto the bed and crossed my legs, placing my hands folded in my lap.

"Shoot."

Lochlan became more serious and suddenly my palms were sweating.

"What made you so upset the night of the gala?"

I paled. He wouldn't look away and I had to break the eye contact after a few seconds ticked by. I covered it with a cough and used the moment to decide whether or not I was going to lie.

"It was my brother," I answered passively. "We got into an argument I wasn't prepared to have with him."

"What was it about?"

I breathed out roughly, letting him know I didn't appreciate this line of questioning but he, bless his heart, wasn't perturbed by it.

"It was about his mate."

"Abby."

My eyes snapped to his. Lochlan shrugged.

"Of course I know who your brother's mate is, Evangeline. I make it a point to know about the leadership I leave behind."

His words had my walls up again. It was just as I'd dreaded. Whatever this Abby knew, Lochlan would know. I became much more guarded in my mind and my body language. Of course, he noticed. He cleared his throat and gestured for me to continue. I narrowed my eyes.

"You asked what it was about, I told you," I snapped.

Lochlan sighed seeing the door closing on that line of questioning. He wisely pivoted.

"Why did you kiss me that night?"

My face reddened and I sucked my lips in. I looked at my hands and tugged on my fingers.

"I don't know. I just, wanted to in that moment. It was probably just the hormones," I mustered, trying to come off dismissive.

He smiled a little.

"Could it be because you're starting to like me, tigress?"

His tone was teasing and it repelled me. I always had a difficult time differentiating between gentle teasing and mocking.

"I was vulnerable and you decided to stand too close to me. You invaded my personal space," I corrected venomously.

Hurt and anger flashed behind his eyes and I almost instantly felt guilty.

"I sure hope you're not insinuating that I took advantage of you. I stopped what was happening," he bit back.

I shut my eyes and pinched the bridge of my nose.

"No, Lochlan. You didn't do that and I know that. I'm sorry. Please just ask another question."

Lochlan just shook his head and got up from the bed.

"I don't have anymore. I think I'm done for right now."

I got up on my knees, "no," I uttered a little too forcefully.