Carla's words were dripping with calculating sweetness.

First, she made a point of declaring to Ray: Don't get the wrong idea—just because I'm about to sleep with you doesn't mean I'm some loose woman. I'm being forced into this. Second, she subtly flattered him—if it were any other man, I'd rather die than submit.

That was some pretty high-level maneuvering.

Ray simply smiled.

Carla's looks were decent—an easy 85 out of 100. But the women he'd been with lately were all top-tier. Even if he