He lifted one powerful shoulder. “Father took off a month after I was born, and saying our biological mother was unfit is an understatement. We were lucky Grams stepped in.”

“I’m sorry, Wolfe. I really am.” There weren’t any words that could help.

“I know. You’re a sweetheart, Dana. Soft and kind.”

There was an obvious warning behind the murmured words. She shook her head. “I’m pretty tough, and you know it. If life hits me, I’ll get back up.” He had to stop pushing her away.

His chin lifted, but he didn’t answer.

She looked at his scarred chest. “You’ve seen some serious fights.”

He released her hand and stood, withdrawing. “Yeah.” He moved for the door, revealing a broad, strong back—along with more healed wounds. The bullet holes were obvious, as were the knife marks, but a couple of burns down his right side were a surprise.

What had he endured? She swallowed, feeling small and vulnerable in the big bed that smelled enticingly of him. “Why won’t you trust me?” Why the heck had she asked that question?

He turned at the doorway, leaning against the jamb, one eyebrow rising. His lips twitched. “You’re in my house, in my bed, with my kitten on your lap. I gave you the code to my alarm system. Why in the world do you not feel trusted?”

How could he not understand? “You don’t tell me anything. You don’t share. I don’t know you.” The words burst out before her mind could kick into gear. “You always say we’re friends, and you are there any time I need you. You even saved me from a madman with a knife. But you don’t let me know you.”

Indecision crossed his face—an expression different from any she’d ever seen on him. Apparently making up his mind, he moved to his perch on the bed again, the heat from his body instantly washing over her. “There isn’t anything else.” His voice remained low and calm, deep with a certainty that seemed to lack regret. “You’re searching for a depth that just isn’t there. Doesn’t exist.”

She tilted her head, reading beneath the surface when he’d just told her not to bother. “Do you really believe that?” Her voice softened along with her heart. Oh, this wasn’t good. Not at all. Distance. She should draw back.

“Yes.” His chin lowered, and his gaze ran down her tank top and back up, his eyes darkening to the color of topaz gems hiding their brilliance. “My whole life has been about survival. First as a kid in a rough neighborhood and then in the military, where I thought I’d found family.” His nostrils flared as he exhaled slowly. “When my whole team died, all that was left for me was to seek justice. Maybe revenge. I don’t really care which.”