“Yes,” she said, and her chest tightened with the words, with her fear that Blake would go after Alvarez and end up dead. “Yes, very much.”

“Then recognize that if you’re with Blake, you’re with his past. It’s a part of who he is. Think about what Alvarez killing you would do to him. You shouldn’t have gone tonight.”

“You don’t seem to get it, Kyle. If I hadn’t have gone, he would have killed Alvarez and himself in the process.”

“Before he met you, yes. Now, no. I’m not buying that. Protecting you and finding your sister gave him a reason to live.”

“You weren’t there.”

“Did he kill Alvarez?”

“No, but—”

“Did he have the chance?”

“Yes, but—”

“Then I’m right. He’s in check. Before meeting you, Alvarez would have been dead the instant Blake set eyes on him.”

“He wanted to. He almost did.”

“But he didn’t. You shouldn’t have been there. You’re too close to this. You saved him, Kara. You brought him back to us, which is exactly why none of us are going to let you destroy him again.” He paled and let go of her arm to lean over the toilet. “Go. Get out of here.”

Destroy him? How and why would she destroy him? Kara backed away from Kyle and sat back down on the edge of the tub, waiting to ask those questions. When he sank back against the wall she handed him a towel. “You okay?”

He glanced at her and snatched the towel. “Can’t a guy throw up in peace? Why are you still here?”

“I wouldn’t hurt Blake.”

“Then don’t get killed. You die, you’ll take him with you.”

“I’m a federal agent, Kyle. I’m going to be in danger.”

“Believe me, I’m aware of that and so is he.”

Her hands went to the tub, steadying herself. “You think I’m bad for him.”

“I think you’re the best thing that could have happened to him.”

Baffled, she shook her head. “I don’t understand.”

“He’s going to struggle with your job, but he’ll get through it—if you help him. But damn, woman, wake up. Alvarez killed Whitney. How do you think the idea of Alvarez killing you affects him? If you die, he’ll die with you. We’ll find your sister. I’ll find her. You have my word. I will not stop until I do.”

Kara blinked at the vehement declaration. This man whom she barely knew was vowing to save her sister. So were Blake’s brothers. And she believed them. She wasn’t alone. She didn’t have to take insane risks with no backup. Because of Blake. Kara pushed to her feet, realizing there was actually one big risk she had to take.