Rebel Heart

His gaze moved over her face, resting on her lips.

"Attacking me isn't the right way to get it. I'm the only thing standing between you and whatever hell is chasing you." He moved away, and she released her breath, resting her head against the cabinet in relief. She'd expected him to explode. Her gaze went to the safe again, the despair within her swirling.

"Brady, you said one night wasn't enough," she said. "I'd even … I'd even consider becoming your … companion."

He stared at her then chuckled. "You say that like it'd be the worst thing you ever did."

"Well, it wouldn't be far off."

"Women don't normally dread climbing into bed with me. I'm sorry the idea is so repulsive to you."

"Not repulsive," she said. "I don't think I could kill someone, and I've got nothing else to trade. And you're the one who walked away from me earlier."

"I was giving you a chance to reconsider. So you'd give yourself to me indefinitely in exchange for your tech toys?" he asked. She heard a note of hesitation alongside the consideration in his broken voice.

"Yes," she said, confused about his on-off moods.

Brady's hormones surged at her proposition. He'd barely managed to walk away from her earlier. He could think of so many things he'd do to her sweet little body. And then he recalled his promise to Tim, and looked away from her.

"I can't," he said with regret.

"What do you mean?" she asked, surprise in her voice.

"I'm not willing to consider it."

"But I've seen how you look at me. You could've fooled me with how you kissed me."

"It would be a mistake," he said.

"Brady, I don't understand you." Anger was back in her voice.

Lana approached him and paused within arm's reach. Brady met her gaze again, taking in the array of emotions crossing her features. The wounded look bothered him most, the same vulnerable expression that had disturbed him twice before. He didn't want Angel to feel that way, not when it was his duty to take care of her. As the Guardian, he'd been her emotional support, and he'd imagined this look when she discussed how scared she was of what was going on outside the Peak. To see the expression in person both touched and frustrated him.

When he took a step towards her, she reached out to him. He moved closer, her small hand on his arm, until they were toe-to-toe. Her breathing quickened, her body tensed. Her eyes flickered up to him then down again. He reached out with one hand and lifted her chin before crossing his hands behind his back. She looked from his eyes to his lips and moved closer. He lowered his head and caught her lips with his. He kissed her gently, plying her warm lips until she responded. She opened to him once again, reminding him of how she'd yielded to him earlier.