“That’s fine,” he said quietly. “You’ll need to decide where you want to go, and I’m happy to pay the travel costs. How about the Maldives?” Those overwater bungalows looked like wonderful places to relax. Then he paused. “No, Wolfe won’t want to be out of the country just in case Dana has problems. All right. Hawaii it is. Pick an island and we’ll make the travel arrangements tomorrow.” His body felt cold at the thought of her out of his life for good, but it was the right thing to do.

She hung her head, as if struggling desperately for patience. “I am not leaving.”

“Nari—” He kept his voice as gentle as he could. “I’m not asking or suggesting. You are going, and if I have to hogtie you and hire a private plane with Wolfe as your guard, I’ll do it.” Fire shot through her dark eyes, only spurring on his unwelcome lust. “Yes, it’s kidnapping, but I’m already facing a slew of upcoming charges, so what’s one more? Don’t fight me on this, baby. You won’t win.”

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Two

Anger shot through her so quickly, Nari’s head ached. Even so, the idea that Angus felt responsible for her to the degree that he’d be such a complete ass warmed her girlie parts. She’d have to resolve her issues with that later. For now, she had to face down this stubborn male and win. “I don’t work for you, I’m not dating you, and I have not asked for your opinion on my safety or plans.” Her jaw hurt from gritting her teeth, so she tried to relax it. “While Neanderthals might interest some women, I am not one of them. I suggest you rejoin this century. Like, now.”

“So far, I’m not liking current times,” Angus rejoined. He was standing way too close to her with just the dog between them. “I know I’m neither your boss nor your boyfriend, but I got you into this mess and I’m getting you out of it.”

“I can take care of myself,” she said.

“Didn’t say you couldn’t.”

Roscoe looked from one to the other of them, stood, and walked over to jump back on the sofa. He yawned hugely and put his muzzle on his paws.

She eyed the animal that had just abandoned her to a pissed-off male. “Angus, you’re being an ass.”

“I’m okay with that.” On the side of his face, fresh bruises mixed with slightly older ones. One along the left side of his jaw no doubt corresponded with a bump on the back of her shoulder from when he’d tackled her to the ground as the cabin exploded. When he’d put his body between her and danger, possibly sacrificing himself.