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“How generous,” Derek said wryly “And so cooperative, too”

“Better late than never”

He shot her a sideways look “You stopped long enough to retrieve the weapon?”

“I didn’t want hi it So I did”

Derek released the eency brake “We’ll talk later You look like you’re about to faint again”

She felt like it

“Here Drink this” Before Derek shifted into reverse, he handed her a can of cranberry juice and a straw he’d grabbed on the way out “Just sip It’ll help”

She took the can gratefully “Thank you—for everything”

“Don’t thank runted as he backed out of the two-car garage, then headed down the driveway “I must be crazy to be in love with you”

“Probably” Sloane slad you are I was counting on it tipping the scales in my favor when you decided whether or not to kill me”

“I wouldn’t get too cocky I doubt I’ll feel so nanimous once I know you’re okay, and once you’ve told me what happened and why” Derek shook his head as Sloane opened her mouth to fill him in “Not now Just drink your juice and rest We’ll talk later”

“A reprieve Thanks” Sloane leaned back against the headrest again, shock slowly transfor to weariness “I’ off”

It was the last thing she said before they reached the hospital

She never felt Derek take the can of juice out of her hand and put it in the cup holder She was out for the count

Sloane hated hospitals Particularly the ER Nighted her the minute she inhaled that antiseptic hospital smell Fortunately, this visit was short