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“Like I told you, I ai “But I also aim to win”

“I believe the ai and sat back in his chair “We’ve been so bombarded with follow-up, I haven’t had the chance to reprimand you When you left the car, you disobeyedto defy”

“You’re right And in this case, an apology is not forthcoent Parker, do you plan to take disciplinary action?”

“Actually, I had a different kind of action in mind” Derek stood up, leaned forward, and kissed her “Like another bedroo tomorrow”

“That works” Sloane ran her fingers over his jaw She was still so grateful he was alive and all right The ave him another slow, deep kiss, then eased away “I think this behavior counts as a breach of protocol, too”

“Screw protocol”

Sloane laughed “That’sthe rules to suit his needs”

“Sloane” Derek caught her hand, his tone and gaze turning abruptly serious “In case I haven’t said the words, thank you You saved my life”

“I love you,” she answered simply “No other alternative existed”

“I love you, too And believe me, I kno that love compels you to protect me at all costs I’ve been there, too, remember?”

“I re back to the life-or-death situation she’d found herself in this past spring

“But you knohat?” Derek continued “You would have reacted with those saent That’s just who you are And why you belong with the Bureau” An insightful look “By the way, how’s that right hand doing?”

With a twinge of surprise, Sloane glanced down at her scarred palht about it Not since last hen Connie checked it out and gave h “I never believed this day would come”

“Well, it has” A cocky grin “And now I can say I told you so—since I always kneould”

Sloane sighed “I’ time, aren’t I?”