Rebel Heart

"I needed a woman," he said dismissively, as if she was a common prostitute.

Lana studied his back as he moved. She sensed there was something behind his words. He was trying to push her away again, as he had before. Only this time, he'd gone too far with her to completely walk away. She wondered what it was that kept him at war with himself and tried not to let his words affect her.

"Are you taking me as your companion?" she asked.

"Not in the middle of a war."

"You never answered my question. Do I know you from somewhere?"

Brady's movement paused then resumed. He whipped open the door to the living area and began placing his weapons around his body. Lana eased out of bed and put on her clothing before joining him.

"Do I?" she prodded at his silence.

"No."

Disappointment spiraled through her. Her Guardian slept with her then lied to her. Confusion and anger stirred again. Why would he lie about knowing her? He'd been so sweet to her just a hour before. It was plain he regretted it. He still didn't look at her, and she couldn't help feeling hurt.

"I'm going on a mission. Will be back in the morning," Brady said and strode to the door. "I don't need to tell you not to leave, do I?"

"No," she whispered. Lana watched him leave and rubbed her face, exhausted. She wasn't certain what to think right now. Her body still thrummed with desire for him. It was scrambling her logic and had completely decimated her self-control where he was concerned.

Frustrated, she headed to the small bedroom and dropped into the bed. She wrapped her arms around a pillow that smelled like him and stared at the wall, distraught by the feelings of both anger and need for the complicated man. What had started as admiration and respect for the Guardian was turning into something more, and she didn't know what to do about it.

Lana slept until Elise woke her for breakfast by beating on her door in the morning. Someone had cleaned her clothing and draped it over the couch. Lana changed quickly, her body sore from the night with her Guardian. She wrenched the door open.

"It's about time," Elise complained. "And for the record, you're not supposed to get caught when the bad guys come for you."

Lana frowned, looking Elise over from head to foot. The elite fed soldier was dressed in PMF gray.