Head canted, he smiles. I like the way his smile meets his eyes, squinting the creases in an adorable, boyish way. “If you knew me, you’d know I’d never say that.” He leans in from across the table. “The truth is, I never would’ve hacked your phone had you not stolen my pocket watch. Ultimately, that is why we’re here, isn’t it?”

Maybe the truth, or he’s just well-practiced. I could keep probing, but now I’m curious about this app. Sounds like a program that I would attempt to code myself.

Still, something feels off. If he’s not lying, he’s omitting some important truth. “And the whole trying to buy me for the night…?” I prod.

At this, his mouth flattens into a thin line. “That was pretty lame.” He clears his throat and adjusts his glasses. “Look, I’ve admitted I’m not versed in the art of social etiquette. Think of last night as a social science experiment. I was trying out a few variations, testing theories, looking for—”

“Pussy,” I cut in.

A moment of uncertainty, then a laugh erupts. It’s a deep sound, right from the base of his throat. “To put it so bluntly, yes.”

“I may not be a super nerd, Dr. Chambers, but you don’t have to mansplain this to me, or try to excuse away your attempt to get laid. Blunt honesty goes a long way with me.”

He blinks slowly, smiles that boyish smile again. “Why am I the one explaining myself when you attacked me?”

I cock my head. “You grabbed me,” I say pointblank.

“Yes—” he lowers his voice as passerby filter by our table “—and the Taser was a logical retaliation. But the GHB cocktail…?”

I sink back into my chair. Right. He’s a scientist. Of course he analyzed the substance in his blood that I injected into him.

At my intended silence, he says, “Okay. My turn. Who the hell carries a Taser and potent club drugs in a syringe?”

I lick my lips, stalling. How truthful do I want to be with him? Is he an adversary or possible connection? “I’m revenge for hire,” I blurt. What the hell—I’m curious to see his reaction.

“Huh.” He nods a few times as he considers my answer. “That actually makes sense.”

The corner of my mouth hitches into a slight smile. “How so?”

He ticks off the reasons on his fingers. “You were the only escort from a different company. You were annoyed by my presence; I was an interference. You were very interested in watching Ericson’s martini…which I now gather was the intended target of your drug cocktail. And the most obvious: Ericson seemed like a prick. The type of guy who’d have a few women vying for retribution.”

I snort a laugh. “Very observant.”