Up close, his eyes resembled liquid gold, molten and smoldering, his frame of long, black lashes the stuff of dreams. Literally! Nola had never thought to be within touching distance of her golden god, and now she was...reeling. “I’m real, and you are an honest to goodness alien, like Zion. And me, apparently.” To believe, or not to believe?

He didn’t seem to hear her. “Did Zion harm you?”

Did he care? “No. He was good to me.”

“How good?” Bane’s eyelids slitted, those gorgeous amber irises hidden. “You like him.”

“Kind of. And very much,” she said.

He growled. Growled! Like a big, beautiful, jealous animal.

A man like Bane, jealous because another man got to spend more time with Nola? No way. She must be misreading the situation. “I don’t know him well, but he doesn’t look at me as if I’m the dirt on the bottom of his shoes so...” Shrug.

“Dirt. Yes.” Though his eyes closed and his head lolled to the side, he didn’t release her. He did jerk to attention a moment later and snarl, “Hate you.”

She flinched, the admission hitting her like a fist. What had she done to deserve such rancor?

Why give him the satisfaction of asking?

If he’d shown her a little kindness, she would have given him her all—all of her caring, all of her aid. Now? He’d be lucky to get half of either.

“Where did Zion take you?” he demanded.

She jutted her chin, saying, “Even if I knew, I wouldn’t tell you.”

“Then you are a fool. He’s using you to get to me.”

“Right, because a man wouldn’t want me for any other reason?” she bit out.

He traced his tongue over straight white teeth. “Stay with me, and I will protect you from him. From everyone.”

“Trust the man who hates me? No, thanks. Besides, you can’t even protect yourself, Stumpy.” Guilt sparked. Never before had Nola used such a scathing tone with another living being, but come on! In just a few minutes, he’d shredded what little hard-won self-esteem she possessed. “Besides, why would you want to protect me?”

He looked away, his demeanor changing. From fierce to determined. “I don’t have to like you to help you. We need each other.”

This mighty golden god needed her? “I know why I need you—Vale. Why do you need me?”

“Tell me you will stay away from Zion,” he insisted, snubbing another question.

Dang him! “If you won’t help me save Vale, Zion will.” Maybe. But she’d have to push. So why not push Bane instead?

Hoping to arouse his jealousy again, she said, “Zion is hot and very good with his hands.” Probably. She leaned closer, pressing her breasts against his chest, and whispered straight into his ear. “I’m his dream girl.” Literally!