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“She’s my doctor”

“That’s not what I mean and you know it”

Angel’s gaze snapped up “Quit beating around the bush, Franco You don’t wantto say in that holier-than-thou way of yours, isn’t it?”

“I don’t want her hurt again Madelaine is … fragile”

Angel thought of the ball-buster who’d read hihed out loud “Yeah, a real nolia petal”

“I et over you last tiain”

Angel laughed bitterly “Don’t worry, pal If anyone’s got a broken heart, it’s me”

With a weary sigh, Francis pushed to his feet “I’ve got a couples’ retreat in Oregon for the rest of the month I could cancel if—”

“If I’onna die tomorrow? Don’t bother I’ll be fine”

“I’ll co to disappear again …”

Angel sighed Already the anger was gone, faded back into insignificance next to the power of his love for his brother Again he wished that he’d held back, that just once in his life, he’d had some self-control “I’ll be here, Franco”

“Good”

Angel forced a pathetic s”

Francis looked down at hi time Then, slowly, he smiled “You’re always sorry”

“Yeah,” Angel said softly, stung by the truth of it