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insecure . I don’t belong here with this guy; he’s basically a complete stranger!
    Suddenly, Rhee wanted nothing more than to go back to her empty student apartment. Her roommates would both be gone for another two weeks. Most of the students were home with family and Rhee had enjoyed the solitude. What was she doing here, anyway? Dax was right. She didn’t even know him. She certainly shouldn’t be here convalescing in his house. Plus, he made her feel nervous, and sometimes, like right now, the look in his eyes scared her.
    Dax looked back at the girl, huddling anxiously in his oversized sweatshirt. He wasn’t aware of how intimidating he was to her, but he did feel bad for snapping at her. The thought of the fresh-faced little thing sitting at his dining table going back to the seedy clubs, being ogled and possibly haggled by a bunch of his enemies bothered him on a whole new level. Dax sighed. Women!
    “I’ll take you home tomorrow. I’ve had a long day. Gonna shower up and hit the hay.”
    As an afterthought, he turned to her. “Leave the dishes. You’ve probably overtaxed that arm enough.”
    He walked out of the room and Rhee got up defiantly. She was still bruised, stiff and sore, but thanks to the alcohol, she was feeling a second wind. Purposely ignoring Dax’s instructions, she scrubbed the dishes and gulped down the rest of her wine. Rhee shot several thoughtful glances at the front door, but she couldn’t very well run out into the unfamiliar street half dressed, could she? It wasn’t as if she was in danger here, she told herself. Dax just made her feel…unsettled. The simple fact that he was a large, overbearing male made her feel really off-kilter. Rhee wasn’t used to spending this much time alone with any man, let alone a brooding, dangerous one like Dax.
    The ache in her shoulder intensified and Rhee realized she was holding herself taut. Willing herself to relax, she returned to the guest room and shut the door. After about an hour of tossing and turning, she crept back out onto the couch. The light under Dax’s door had gone dark but she could sense him in there. Rhee pulled her legs into her chest and wondered absently what the man looked like asleep. Sighing, she turned the television on, keeping the volume low. I Love Lucy was so much better than her nightmares.

Chapter Five
    Dax slept long and hard. He had really needed the rest. It was nice not to be interrupted in the middle of the night. The moment he registered that thought, he flew out of his room to check on Rhee. Dax wouldn’t put it past the girl to sneak out in the middle of the night. Her bed was empty. Tensely, Dax stalked to the living room and was relieved to find her curled up on the couch, sleeping soundly. Rhee’s face was even more angelic when she was asleep, but from the look of the spotless kitchen and clean dishes, he knew she had a stubborn streak. He fixated on her bow-shaped mouth for a few moments, and before he knew it, he was brushing a strand of reddish-brown hair from her cheek.
    Rhee stirred at the light touch, and opened her eyes to find a pair of bright blue eyes staring at her. She gasped, a blush heating her cheeks.
    Dax sat back guiltily. “Hey there,” he said softly. “Sorry for waking you. I’ve got time now if you want to head back to your place?” Part of him didn’t want her to go, but there was really no reason for her to stay any longer.
    Rhee sat up excitedly, choosing to ignore the fact that her heart had jumped wildly when she opened her eyes to find him so close. “Yes! Now?”
    “Now.”
    “I’ll get my stuff.” Rhee stood up and walked into the guest room. Dax heard the toilet flush and then she walked back out empty-handed.
    “I forgot that there’s nothing for me to pack,” she explained sheepishly.
    Dax ushered her into his garage and saw her glance at his bike. She blushed a little and looked away from his curious glance. Dax had to wonder what thoughts were going