Gabriel quickly accepted the gesture, knowing it meant nothing. Uncertain of how to proceed, an unusual experience for him, he tried to read Erin’s face for clues. Since she’d told him the whole story, he’d been careful to give her as much space as he could. Later, once they’d put the issue to bed, he planned to read everything he could find on survivors of abuse. Until then, he found himself hesitating, waiting for a signal from her of what she needed from him. If anything.

When he finally met her quizzical look, his expression was deliberately blank. “I didn’t expect to see you tonight.”

“I wanted to see the story.” Erin tried to read the impassive face, to no avail. He had a right to be surprised by their sudden visit, but surely she deserved more than this chilly reception. She’d done everything he asked. Told him everything.

But if honesty earned her his contempt, then so be it, she thought, hardening her heart. Tightening her hold on Sebastian, Erin explained briskly, “I told Sebastian our plan and he wanted to come along.”

“Our plan? No, this is your idea, Erin. I’m just the fool too stupid to say no.”

“Try harder next time,” Sebastian suggested dryly. Gabriel’s urge to smash his fist into Sebastian’s smirking face nearly overwhelmed him. Nathan might be dead, but Sebastian had abandoned her. And he was now within reach. Instead of succumbing to the impulse, he used his best weapon—his words.

“I don’t make a habit of leaving my friends to the wolves, no matter how badly they hurt my feelings.”

The harsh accusation drew a stunned gasp from Erin. “I told you that in confidence.”

“I’m a reporter. I don’t keep secrets.” He held her shocked look, refusing to apologize. She’d rejected what he had to offer, except for his newspaper. Well, she could have the front page, he thought tiredly, but losing her and stomaching Cain was too much. “There’s no room for you here, Erin.” With a final, withering look, he turned to walk away.

Hurt, she also turned to leave.

“Listen here, you—” Sebastian’s solid grip on Gabriel’s shoulder forced him around again. Before Gabriel could react, Peter interceded.

“Kelly needs to see you.” The older man squeezed his captive elbow warningly. Bone ground against bone, though Gabriel refused to wince at the deliberate pain.

“This is none of your—”

Peter cut off the epithet in midsentence. “Upstairs. Now.”