Juliet threw him a mutinous look. “Well, I have no answers to give you.”

“That’s where you’re wrong,” Colin’s voice cracked like a whip in the still room. “You are going to tell me everything you know about Vance Hollister.”

“And if I don’t?”

The space between them suddenly narrowed taking her by surprise. She wasn’t even aware he moved. A small gasp escaped her as she found herself looking up into hard, green eyes. He stood so close she could feel his body heat wrap around her, smell the heady scent of dark spices and forest.

He spoke softly, but the menace in his tone carried loud and clear. “You are not a stupid woman Jules, don’t act like one.”

The nickname he used for her made her stomach quiver with excitement. She squelched it quickly, irritation at her reaction replacing her momentary weakness.

“You are such an asshole.”

Colin chuckled darkly. “Aye, darlin’, that’s the truth of it.”

“I hate you, Colin Hennessy. You’re no better than Vance,” She spat, her voice filled with venom. You’re just lying to yourself. A small voice denied her claim.

His gaze turned cold and detached as it swept over her. She shivered involuntarily instinctively clutching the sheet tighter to her and her pulse quickened. With fear? Anticipation? She didn’t know and was not about to head down that road to find out.

“Hate me all you want, it matters little to me, but I warn you now, do not mistake me to be anything like Vance Hollister.”

She just hit a nerve. Score one for her side.

Juliet hid a smile of satisfaction, could she exploit this to her advantage, guilt trip him into releasing her? It was worth a try.

“I can’t help but note the similarities,” She tilted her head, studying him. “I’m here against my will. Had Vance’s men been successful I would be his prisoner as well.”

“And kept in a cell, no better than a lab rat,” he ground out harshly.