Taking a deep breath, Jewel knew pink washed across her cheeks. She was used to the open perusal from men until they saw her "bad" side, but she wasn't accustomed to anyone calling her beautiful afterward. This man was almost convincing, and his close appraisal made her feel even more uncomfortable. Wrapping her stand-offish armor tightly around herself, she looked the behemoth in the eye. "You're a talented liar."

His dark brown eyes flashed in mild irritation before ...