“He said Sasha is okay, but a little shaken. But you know she’ll handle it. We’re just going to have to make certain she doesn’t have to stand it for too long. I don’t like the way this is playing out. If Reardon is taking charge, then there’s no telling what else he might do.” His lips tightened. “But I’m not going to be caught off guard like this again. I’m going to push hard, and I won’t be back here until it won’t make a damn bit of difference what he pulls. We’ll be ready.”

“Shit,” she said hoarsely, her hands knotting into fists at her sides. “You’re damn right we will.” She suddenly launched herself into his arms and buried her face in his chest. Comfort. Safety. Warmth. “Hold me,” she whispered. “Just for a minute. I’ll be okay in a minute.”

“Shut up.” His arms were around her, crushing her close. “My pleasure. Just let me be here for you, help you. It’s not often that I get the chance to break through that wall you keep so firmly in place.”

“That’s not true,” she said unsteadily. “I had sex with you all last night and if I had any walls left to break, they’d be shattered by now.”

“Would they? Sex doesn’t always do the trick. You won’t let me close enough to get beyond that first barrier.” He pushed her back and looked down at her. “It’s a wonderful, deceptive barrier that welcomes me even as it keeps me from going too deep. It has all kinds of barbs of protectiveness and generosity that can be confusing but are erotic enough to let me accept anything you want to tell me or give me.” He reached out and traced her lower lip with his index finger. “Whether or not I entirely believe you. That’s why I appreciate it when you invite me inside.”

She tried to laugh. “You can’t say I haven’t done that extensively in the past twenty-four hours.” Her lip was tingling beneath his touch. It was strange how quickly heat had emerged from that instant of fear and emotion. She stepped back. “But you’re getting too complicated and analytical. That’s not what I wanted from you.” She paused. “And that’s not what I wanted to give you.”