I'm sorry," he said and his voice was neutral this time, almost too neutral. "But you'll be safest if I maintain my position here."

And you're trying the limits of my self-control, I thought. You can't just throw me a few clues and then take it all back. I will figure you out, I swear it.

"Suit yourself," I said and then paused. "I'd rather have you behind me anyway."

How's that for a little sexual innuendo?

Author: C.M. Stunich