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image of that tear as it slowly slid down her cheek, the compassion he’d seen in her eyes when he spoke about his wife’s death. Criminals, especially drug dealers, weren’t known for their compassion. His brows furrowed. Then what was she hiding?
    He tossed the remote on the cart by the bed, turning toward her to try and smooth things over. He stilled, his heart drummed a rapid beat against his chest. She was asleep. Long lashes feathered softly against her smooth ivory skin, dark, silken, hair tangled charmingly around her sweet face, full luscious lips were slightly parted, as though in invitation for the kiss he desperately craved. She looked soft and innocent, like someone that needed protection.
    Something inside him shifted, making way for emotions he hadn’t felt since his wife’s death. A rush of heat and desire collided with an overwhelming urge to protect and claim.
    Damn, he was in serious trouble.
    Angela was anxious to get home. It had been an uncomfortable and restless night at the hospital, but besides feeling a bit tired and sore, she was fine. She would have called her grandmother, but she was still under the weather from her cold, and besides, Angela didn’t want her to worry.
    She glanced down at the ill-fitting blue hospital scrubs and wrinkled her nose. Her clothes had been torn and dirty and the nurse had been kind enough to provide scrubs for her to wear. She shrugged and pulled back the curtains. At least she was clean.
    Jake waited in the hall. When she stepped into the hall, his dark eyes assessed her. “Nice outfit.” His voice held an amused note.
    She flipped her hair over her shoulder and studied him. He looked damn good for a guy who’d slept in his clothes all night. As if he’d just stepped off the cover of GQ . She’d seen her reflection in the mirror, and she looked like hell.
    She smiled wryly. “You like it? It’s all the rage in hospital attire.”
    His gaze took a slow perusal over her body, pausing for an instant at her breasts, then back to her face. His lips quirked. “Cold?” His voice held an innocent quality. But he didn’t fool her for a second.
    A blush warmed her, and she gave an ungraceful snort of incredulity. Since when did they have a teasing relationship?
    He grinned and arched a brow, removing his brown leather jacket and stepping toward her. “Here.”
    Angela was too aware of him to protest when he wrapped the jacket around her. She pushed her arms into the sleeves, sucking in a breath as his musky scent enveloped her, soothing her jagged nerves. The jacket’s soft leather still held the heat from his body and quickly countered any chill in the air.
    He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Ready?” His fingers caressed the curve of her chin as he pulled his hand away, sending tingles through her.
    She tensed. What is wrong with me? What she felt for him was an illusion, not something she could trust.
    “Are you okay?” Concern vibrated in his voice.
    She managed to wrestle her emotions under control. For a moment, she’d forgotten he was a cop and thought her a liar. “Yes, just tired.”
    Jake lightly grasped her elbow and directed her to the elevator. Butterflies stirred in her belly when he took a watchful stance between her and the other passengers. Something soft and feminine inside her responded to his protective action.
    Angela frowned, reminding herself that he considered her a possible criminal. She neither wanted, nor needed his concern.
    When they exited the building, he steered her toward a dark blue Mustang. After helping her inside, he pulled onto Burleigh Street, then shot her a glance. “I wish you’d change your mind about letting me stay. Just until we know for sure you’re out of danger.”
    “No. That won’t be necessary.” Angela didn’t want him to spend the night, needing to put distance between them. She didn’t understand the emotions he stirred in her, didn’t want to think about them. She just wanted him