His smile has faltered a little. But not because I’ve gotten through to him.
No, it’s more like I’ve given him something to think about.
And I’m fairly sure that, whatever it is, it’s not gonna work in my favor.
“I can respect that,” he says at last.
“I, uh… What?”
The smile pops back onto his face. His blue eyes dance slightly under the moonlight.
“I can respect that you want to look out for your father,” he explains. “Even if he doesn’t deserve it. But I’m under strict orders not to let you in that house until my brother is done talking to your father.”
I open my mouth but he silences me with a raised hand.
My jaw snaps shut submissively. That by itself is alarming.
Since when do I listen when a man—especially a cocky-as-hell, arrogant prick like this guy—tells me to do something?
“So…” he continues, “if I’m gonna break the rules and let you in there, you’re gonna have to earn it.”
Shit.
There’s definitely a catch here.
“Earn it?” I repeat suspiciously. “How am I supposed to do that?”
His grin gets wider.
“How about a little game?” he suggests. “I ask you questions and you answer me. Honestly. For every honest answer you give me, you can take a step towards the house. For every lie you tell me, you have to take a step back.”
I stare at him in shock.
“That’s ridiculous.”
He gives me a look of mock hurt. “You wound me. I think it’s a fine idea.”
“How would you even know the difference?” I ask.
“Oh, I’d know,” he says, with overbearing cockiness. “One, I’m great at sniffing out lies. And two, you’re terrible at telling them.”
I narrow my eyes at him. “Am not.”
He smiles. “Was that vase really a family heirloom or just a tacky trinket from Penney’s?”
Fuck.
“Family heirloom,” I say immediately, infusing as much confidence into my tone as possible.
“Take a step back, lass.”
“It’s true!”
“This game isn’t gonna be any fun if you insist on lying through it,” he tells me with exaggerate patience. “Also, participating is the only way you’re gonna get in that house. Play or not, it’s up to you. But them’s the rules.”
Right on cue, we hear something crash from inside, and I gasp.
“Pa!” I scream.