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weariness and pain tightening the corners of her eyes choked the words in his throat. He dropped his hand from her arm, stung that she was pushing him away. She did have her reasons. He’d hurt her, even if it had been unintentional.
    With all she’d been through tonight, he couldn’t risk pushing her too hard right now. If he did, he might lose her forever, and his timeframe for taking her as a mate was quickly slamming shut. He wiped his hands over his face. An evening without her was better than a lifetime.
    “Fine, but don’t plan on moving away or changing your phone number before we can talk. I’ll just find you again.” Turning away to leave, he stopped, glancing back at her. “Don’t tell anyone what you saw, or what I said. Understand?”
    She tugged her lower lip between her teeth and nodded. “Same goes for you.”
    He inclined his head and left.
     
    * * *
     
     
    Angelique sat frozen on the couch staring at the door. This had to be one of the craziest days she’d had in a long time. She took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. Her side was killing her, and it scared her to think that Kira had been injured this badly. She couldn’t lose her familiar. She’d die if that happened.
    Pushing herself to her feet, she leaned against the end table with the blanket firmly wrapped around her. Little by little, she limped to the front door and locked it. With a glance outside, she saw Connor standing next to his car at the curb. Tightness creased the corners of his eyes and his lips. Pretty much how he’d been when he’d first arrived.
    He climbed into his car then slammed the door. His gaze met hers again, then he revved the engine and drove away.
    The fact that he was something she’d only seen in horror flicks scared her. She’d seen the ferocity in his eyes, and it sent a shiver down her spine. That look had been so different from what she’d experienced when they’d been making love. Her body warmed at the sensual memory, and she leaned her forehead against the door.
    No, it wouldn’t be a good idea to get involved with him again, even though she wanted to. His revelation stirred up a strange blend of emotions within her. She wouldn’t be leaving to protect him now. She’d be protecting herself. Weariness weighed on her; she needed to rest before making any conclusions.
    After all, she had her own strengths. If only they would make a difference during a fight. She’d chalked up his amazing muscles and power to an unrelenting workout schedule, but that apparently wasn’t the case. She sighed and pressed her back against the cool door, staring up at the ceiling. Seemed she was praying more with him in her life.
    She’d agreed not to run away again, but right now, it seemed like her only option. She’d plan her next move after she recovered from the deep bruising making each move pure agony.
    A swish of a tail along her back and a soft growl from Kira gave her strength. She’d get through this. Maybe she just needed to listen more to her familiar. Kira had tried to warn her about Connor, but Angelique hadn’t paid her any attention. She’d thought Kira had been irritable, jealous even.
    She wouldn’t make the same mistake twice.
     

Chapter Five
     
     
    Angelique shuffled into the kitchen, heading for the freezer. Each step jarred her aching ribs against her skin. The idea of dressing for work was seriously out of the question. She opened the freezer door and grabbed an ice pack, then snatched a dishtowel from a nearby drawer.
    Lifting her shirt, she paled at the dark purple bruise that stood out against her otherwise light skin. She should’ve put a cold compress on it last night, but she’d been way too distracted and tired.
    Kira climbed up Angelique’s back groggily and sank onto her shoulder, rumbling a purr.
    “Thanks, Kira,” she said. “It wasn’t entirely your fault. I shouldn’t have let him back into our lives. I take full responsibility for my weaknesses.”
    Connor