<em>Fucking hardass</em>...<br/><br/>Johnny rose slightly to pluck the silver pen from her hand, but made no move to open the folder. He knew a poker bluff when he saw one. Sinking back into his seat, he twiddled the pen between his fingers. "<em>Miss</em>Tierny," he said, placing indulgent emphasis on the title. "As a rule, I never sign my name to anything before we discuss payment." He leaned back, totally at ease. He owed much of his success to his ability to read people and situations, a skill which always seemed to come naturally to him. And this situation told him several things. The woman standing over him wasn't about to dismiss him, that much was certain. She was clearly trying to alpha-dog him, hence the dominant posture. But Johnny Morgan wasn't in the habit of being buffaloed. "As you know, my retainer isn't cheap." He twirled the pen between his index and middle fingers. "That's because no one else can do what I do. I also know that whatever is in here..." he reached out and tapped the unopened folder. "...Is very important to you. I'm not going to say 'desperate' just yet, but you obviously don't want to trust the job to just anyone." He flicked his eyes up and down her form, inspecting her appearance, her posture, making no effort of stealth. "<em>That's</em>why you called me. That's why you're willing to accept my fee. And..." He leaned forward again, and placed the pen on the folder. "...that's why you won't call in your next appointment. Not until we're done here, at least."<br/><br/>Syn Tierny was a striking woman. He had seen her pictures in business magazines, but they were a pale shadow of the real thing. Her cream-colored jacket, while a conservative cut, still flattered her curves, and her slender waist. Idly he wondered how she would look out of it. It was the eyes, though, which really caught you. Hazel pools that seemed to press down on you, and make you want beg forgiveness for daring to imagine her naked. Queen's eyes. Here was a woman used to wielding power, able to exert control over her surroundings and her world. A dangerous woman to cross.<em>Hot</em>, he thought to himself.<em>You want to play poker, boss-lady? Alright, let's play...</em>