"Think of me as the dragon at the gate," the man said. "You're not getting past me until I know your business."

"Didn't anyone ever tell you that dragons are extinct?"

Now he did smile. "I'm living proof they're alive and well."

Fine, she thought absently. She would go all the way to fine for this guy. He had a nice face- handsome enough that you wouldn't turn to stone looking at him, but not so pretty that he wouldn't need to develop a personality. Killer blue eyes. A strong jaw, which meant stubborn.

"I'm here for personal reasons," she said, knowing that wasn't going to be enough, but feeling the need to try. What else was she supposed to say? That she'd recently discovered she might not be who she'd thought she was and answers to her questions were in this building?

Dragon-man's face tightened as he crossed his arms over his chest. Dani had the instant sensation of being shut out and judged, all at the same time.

"I don't think so," the man said sharply. "The senator doesn't play those kind of games. You're wasting your time. Get the hell out of here."

Dani stared at him. "Huh?" What was he… Oh. "You think I'm implying the senator and I-" She grimaced. "Yuck. No! Never. Eww." She took a step back, a dangerous act, considering the shoes, but she had no choice. Distance was required. "That is too disgusting for words."

"Why?"

She sighed. "Because there's a chance I'm his daughter." Better than a chance, if her upset stomach were anything to go by.

Suit-guy didn't even blink. "You'd do better to imply you were sleeping with him. I'd be more inclined to believe you."

"Who are you to pass judgment on what Mark Canfield may or may not have been doing twenty-nine years ago?"

"I'm his son."

That got her attention. She knew all about the senator's large family. "Alex, I presume?"

Dragon-guy nodded.