It was good to know that she had a powerful impact on him. Only fair, considering the way he could make her feel. She remained silent while he got in the car, and then they were driving out of the garage.

“I’m sorry Ben was pulled into this mess.” Her hands twisted in her lap. When she’d ridden in the ambulance with Ben, she’d been absolutely terrified. She’d held tightly to his hand and seen the blood pouring from his nose. And the gash on his forehead had seemed huge.

“I’m sorry Ben hurt you.” His gaze slanted toward her before immediately returning to the road. “He doesn’t get to tell you who to see or who to sleep with.”

“Guess the secret is out, huh?”

“I’m glad.”

“I bet you don’t keep a lot of things from your brother.”

“I keep more than you realize from him. For example, he had no clue that I’ve been lusting after you since I was seventeen.”

He’d been— “That long?” she mumbled.

“Probably longer, if you want the truth. And you have starred in one hell of a lot of fantasies for me.”

He’d sure been in plenty of hers, too. But… “I don’t want to put you at risk.”

“Piper?”

“Being my lover—it’s a lethal business right now. I think it would be better…” Say it. Spit out the words. She had to do this. “I think it would be better if we cooled things off. I don’t need to stay at your place any longer. I can stay at a hotel.”

“You’re kidding me.”

Uh, no. “I think it’s a good idea. We need to cool down—”

His hands tightened around the steering wheel. “Cool is the last thing I’m feeling right now,” he muttered.

Yes, she could see that. Tension practically poured from him and his locked jaw. “It’s better this way.”

“Not for me. The only thing that is better for me is to have you in my house and in my bed.”

It was a little hard to breathe. Her heart was double-timing a rhythm. “It’s safer. If we sleep separately—as in completely different locations—this guy might get the idea that we aren’t together and—”

“Fuck that. Let’s back up.” His breath heaved. “You want to be away from me because you think it will protect me?”

“Yes.”

“Not because you don’t want me any longer?”

Not want him? “I’ve never wanted anyone as much as I want you.” They should be clear about this. No games. No pretenses. She’d never been the player type. “I risked my lifelong friendship with Ben because I wanted you so much. This isn’t some fleeting desire that will just vanish.”