“No, I’m not the shy, timid type, but I’ve an instinct about men like you. You’re attractive, with a full arsenal. Quick wit. Incredible voice. Women are drawn to the charm and the attention. They are readily available to you, and you like their company. They probably enjoy the flirtatious banter. I don’t. I have friends, Mr. Moss, and I don’t want any new ones.”

Stung more than he would have imagined, Gabriel took a half step back. Not often had he been summed up so swiftly and found so wanting. An awkward silence filled the air between them.

When she made a move to speak, he held up his palms again, this time in surrender. “I’m sorry. I will do my best to stay out of your way.” He spun on his heel and stepped into the street. With an imperious wave, he beckoned a taxi turning the corner. The cab screeched to a halt at the curb, and Gabriel pulled open the door, squeaking it on its hinges. “Felix. Please take Dr. Abbott wherever she needs to go.”

“Sure thing, Gabe.”

Silently, Erin climbed inside. She started to say something—“Thanks,” or perhaps an apology—but she did not get the chance. Gabriel slammed the door shut on her unspoken words and banged the roof once, signaling the driver to go. She watched Gabriel walk away until he turned the corner and vanished from sight.

“Dr. Abbott? I need an address.”

Erin flushed. “Two sixteen Saint Bennett. Please.” She settled deep into the leather to think. Yes, she was methodical, conscientious, and deliberate. And, she acknowledged with a twinge, she still could hurt another simply to protect herself.

AT HER APARTMENT, Erin entered to the sound of the phone ringing. She locked the door behind her and snatched the phone from its cradle on the third ring. “Hello?” she asked, teetering on one foot as she slid the shoe over poorly sized hose.

“Are you hiding from me?” asked the gravelly voice on the other end.

Erin froze and terror condensed around her like ice. “Who is this?”

“It’s me. Sebastian.”

A tremulous sigh escaped and she sank weakly down onto the bowed sofa. “Oh, Sebastian.” With a quivering hand, she lifted a cup of tea left over from breakfast from the coffee table. She gulped down the tepid brew, trying without much success to inject steel into a suddenly quavering voice. “You frightened me.”

“Why are you scared of a phone call?” On the other end, Sebastian Cain narrowed his eyes. “Has something happened?” he questioned carefully.