His words punched Nola. And kicked. And stabbed. “She sounds fierce, like the heroine of a romance novel.” Nola loved to read. Alpha males and sizzling sex, everything her own life had been missing.

Her eyes widened. “Had been.” Past tense. She was kind of living a romance novel right now, with Bane playing the role of hero.

“If ever someone broke my ankle,” she said, “the first thing I’d do is sob. And if you offered to help me, I’d probably hug you.”

“I wouldn’t be able to offer you aid, I’d be too busy murdering the one responsible.”

Be still my beating heart.

He canted his head. Seemingly entranced, he reached out and rubbed locks of her hair between his fingers. “Tell me more about you.”

His curiosity emboldened her, and she decided to delve a little deeper, reveal a little more. Admit things that impacted the woman she’d become. “Most of my life, I’ve been found lacking in one way or another. Countless foster parents and siblings complained about my sicknesses, accusing me of faking. Teachers considered me a nuisance, and classmates made fun of me for everything from heritage to poverty.” She ran her hands up and down his arms, seeking contact, comfort.

He stiffened, his muscles hard as rocks. “I’m sorry for the past you suffered, Nola.” She thought he added, “And the strength I overlooked,” but he’d turned down the volume, so she couldn’t be sure.

“You’re forgiven,” she said, reeling.

“Have you ever been in love, princess?” He clasped her wrist and lifted one of her hands to his pec, then repeated the action with the other. His heart drummed against her palm, every beat sending a surge of heat through her body.

“No one has ever measured up to my dream man,” she said in jest. Yet, the words hit too close to home, painting a bull’s-eye on her soul.

“And who is your dream man?”

She mimed locking her lips and throwing away the key.

His eyes narrowed as he returned her hands to his chest. “Keep your hands where they are,” he said, then released her to slip two bejeweled gauntlets from his pocket.

He secured the bottom end to her wrists, and secured thin links of chains to her fingers. The tips were pointed, like claws.

Magnificent. She marveled over the sparkling jewels in the center, saying, “I don’t understand. You’re loaning me a pair of gauntlets because...?”

Their gazes met, the air between them simmering. Always simmering. He looked enthralled and utterly amazed. A trick of the light?

Voice gruff, he said, “I’m giving you a pair of gauntlets to thank you for patching me up.”

But he’d saved the jewelry before she’d patched him. Before the explosion even. “I...you’re welcome. I’ll treasure these.” Forever.

“Now. Tell me about him.” There was a command hidden in his tone.