Excerpt
He paced around her, his angry gaze raking over her. "I haven't decided whether to call the authorities or not."

"The authorities?" Her mouth gaped open. "Since when is it against the law to welsh on a bet? They would laugh at you."

He stopped his pacing and glared at her. "It's against the law to steal."

She put her hand on her hips. "What are you talking about? I haven't stolen anything from you except maybe some manly pride."

"You're not only a thief, Mademoiselle, but a liar as well." He resumed his pacing, looking her over from head to toe. "But I must admit you're the prettiest liar I've ever met."

"A compliment and an insult--all rolled up in the same package." She mustered her contempt. "How very nice." But despite her attempt to remain aloof, she blushed, then frowned. How did this man get under her skin effortlessly? "I'm not a thief."

"Are you saying you didn't take my money?"

"Money? What money? I don't know what you're talking about."

He moved with the speed of a striking serpent. Before she could blink an eye, he stood directly in front of her. "I'm not in the mood to play little girl games. I want my money back."

She shrunk from the anger mirrored in his eyes and took a step backward. "I'm telling you the truth. I didn't take any money from you."

"Well, you disappeared, and so did my money."

"You're just mad at me for tricking you, and now you're trying to railroad me. I won't stand for it." She crossed her arms over her chest and stared at him. "I'm not afraid of you."

"You should be."