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.“Do you believe in gods and goddesses? Should I demand a sacrifice?”Suddenly the only rational reaction became crystal clear.She didn’t care if he was Loki or some technologically advanced alien.He’d lied to her and entered her home without her permission.The last thing she needed was more chaos in her life.“I’m no longer interested in this game.You need to leave.”His gaze narrowed and something dangerous flashed in the depths of his eyes.“You’re going to let them get away with this because you’re afraid?”She responded better to challenges than criticisms.Somehow his question managed to be both.“Of course I’m afraid, but that’s not the issue.You lied to me.How am I supposed to trust anything you say?”That brought him up off the couch though he kept the coffee table between them.“The only reason I told you the truth is because I want you to trust me.It would have been much easier to remain the avenging brother.Even now I could reach into your mind and erase this conversation.” He paused as if waiting for the significance to sink in.“But I won’t.I want no secrets between us.”He was right.She didn’t understand the extent of his abilities, but his power was undeniable.He could likely force his will upon her, and yet he’d asked for her willing participation instead.Shouldn’t that buy him the benefit of a doubt; at least a try at earning back her trust?She stared at him, waiting for her shock-addled mind to choose her next step.First and foremost, she had to know that her participation was voluntary.“I need to think about this.I’ll call you once I’ve decided what to do.”“As you wish.” He didn’t sound pleased by the postponement.“But keep this in mind.The game has already begun.They will ruthlessly pursue you until one or the other wins.Do you really want to go head-to-head with those two without the insights I can provide?”Loki flashed out of the room before she could reply and Katie allowed herself to smile.Being “ruthlessly pursued” had never sounded so tantalizing.* * * * *“Are you sure all you did was kiss her?” Chase grumbled.He’d arrived home a few minutes ago, after another exhausting day of physical and emotional therapy.Dealing with injured athletes took as much mental fortitude as it did recuperative techniques.“You’ve been sporting wood since I got home.”“Why are you looking at my crotch?” Josiah laughed and handed Chase a beer.“Should I be concerned or flattered?” He opened a cupboard and grabbed two plates then retrieved flatware from one of the drawers.Chase ignored the semi-playful come-on and set down the bag of Chinese takeout he’d picked up on his way home.The day Josiah stopped flirting with him he’d be worried.Both of them could cook.They just generally chose not to utilize their skills.“The first move was supposed to be mine.” Chase pulled open a drawer and grabbed a bottle opener.He pried off the cap then tossed it onto the counter.Josiah snatched up the cap and casually dropped it into the trash can in the corner.Anal retentive to the core.Chase had always found the contrast amusing.He wasn’t exactly a slob, but what he found acceptable was worlds away from Josiah’s obsessive neatness.Not wanting to start a fight, he tossed the bottle opener back into the drawer and picked up the bag of takeout food.“She came over here.” Josiah took the plates to the small wooden table.The formal dining room was largely ornamental.They almost always ate in the sunny kitchen nook.“What was I supposed to do, slam the door in her face?”After setting the bag on the table, Chase joined Josiah at the table.“The pipe burst, soaking you both, but all you did was kiss her?” He took a swig of beer before adding, “Why don’t I believe you?”Josiah took one of the plates and handed the other to Chase.“All right, I might have gotten her out of those horrid scrubs she always wears, but that’s as far as it went.”“You saw her naked?” Chase paused in the process of unloading the takeout bag.“Details, my friend.I need details.”“Not naked.Just the top.She even stopped me before I could unhook her bra.I’m not sure why she tries so hard to conceal her curves.I certainly saw nothing worth hiding.”“Are we talking Marilyn Monroe or—”“Hollywood would put her on a diet, but I like females with a little flesh on their bones.”Chase laughed.“When you like females.”Josiah glared at him and snapped apart his chopsticks.“I’ve had as many female lovers as male, maybe more.You just feel less threatened to think of me as gay.”It was pointless to argue with facts, so he opened one of the cartons and looked inside.Shrimp lo mein.He made a face and passed the box to Josiah.“How’d she respond to the kiss?”“Like she wanted a whole lot more than kissing
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