“Erin,” she answered hesitantly, preoccupied by the feel of his fingertips resting at the base of her spine and the currents of heat that rippled there. It had been so long since a man had held her this close, even in rescue from her own clumsiness. Savor it, she told herself hazily. Then walk away. “Erin Abbott.”

Gabriel couldn’t tell if the tremulous response was from the impact of their collision or a more personal distress. She barely reached the top of his shoulder, and despite the lean muscle, he definitely overwhelmed her diminutive frame. Suddenly, the mix of fear and curiosity took on a different meaning.

He knew he was a tall man, broad across the shoulders and imposing in height, but he didn’t often strike fear into the hearts of women. The thought of scaring the woman in his arms disturbed him at his core. He settled his voice into a calm tone, smiled gently, and released her. “Hello, Erin. I’m Gabriel.”

As she stepped back, her muddled wits absorbed that her stranger bore the nom de guerre of the guardian of paradise. Like his namesake, this Gabriel commanded attention. Sable hair curled around an angelic face, though not the cherubic, sweet-tempered kind. No, she imagined, this Gabriel would have stood at the gates, righteous sword in hand. She’d already learned he would go where he chose, with or without invitation. “You were in my classroom.”

Gabriel noted the wary acknowledgment of their earlier encounter. Erin Abbott obviously did not appreciate unexpected visitors. “Siren’s call. Couldn’t help it.” When she looked at him quizzically, he explained, “Your laugh. Do you often find homicidal maniacs amusing?”

Erin grimaced. “My class was enthusiastically grateful for a reprieve.”

“Canceled final?”

“Extension on their paper. One they will undoubtedly squander.”

Gabriel chuckled.

The laugh was a mellow rumble of hypnotic sound. Sensing that she could stand and listen to it for hours, Erin took another step back for good measure. “I’d better be off now.”

Gabriel wanted to close the gap between them, to stop her retreat. Instead, he grinned again and asked, “Where are you off to in such a hurry?”

“I have … an appointment. I’m late.”

“Will Alice be meeting you there?”

The slight teasing drew a tentative smile from her. “Not exactly. But it is a very important date.”

“It or he?”

Erin’s eyes widened at the unexpected intensity of the question. “I’m not sure.”

“Good.”

The sound of male satisfaction in the gritty voice sank into her, and Erin again felt the urge to flee. But she wasn’t completely certain her legs would move anyway. Pulses of heat coursed along her body, rippling out from where he’d held her waist beneath the jacket. She stole a glance at his hands, but her eyes were drawn back to his face.