“He wouldn’t say.” Dare worked his hands on the wheel. “But I believed him that he has an idea or two. And you know…” He thought about it, glanced at her and away, then admitted softly, “I’m rethinking him as the one responsible.”

It felt like a weight had been lifted from her, with just that possibility. “Really?”

“Something didn’t fit. I don’t know. I’m sure your father is a slick liar.”

“He’s a shark, in business and out.”

Dare nodded. “But he seemed genuinely insulted to be accused of having you hurt.”

Ridiculous hope sprang to life. She knew her father would never love her, but apathy would be easier to bear than deep hatred.

With tentative caution, Molly admitted, “To me, too.”

Dare slanted a measuring look her way. “You didn’t say anything.”

She looked down at her hands. “I guess my trust in you outweighs my need for my father’s affection.” When Dare’s silence wore on her, she looked up to see a very thoughtful frown on his handsome face. “I didn’t want to obviate your instincts with my own, likely jaded, perspective.”

“Actually,” he told her, “I trust your instincts, too, so always feel free to tell me what you’re feeling.”

“Do you mean that?”

His frown darkened more. “Of course I do.”

“All right.” She took a breath. “Then why are you keeping me in the dark?”

That accusation didn’t sit well. “I tell you everything you need to know.”

Now, that hurt. “So, I’m on a need-to-know basis?”

“No. Don’t twist my words.”

“You’re the one who said it.” Her throat felt thick. It was insane that something so small could hurt her feelings on the heels of everything else she’d been through.

Dare made a visible show of striving for patience. After another glance in the rearview mirror, he took an exit toward a newer strip mall.

He said nothing, so she didn’t, either. But she hated the tension between them.

After he parked, he watched the mirrors, waiting, and when the black car didn’t show, he turned off the SUV, released his seat belt and reached for her.

Molly stiffened in surprise. “What—”

Holding her shoulders, Dare pulled her over the console and kissed her. This was no friendly peck. His lips worked over hers until she parted them. Then his tongue stroked in. The kiss was hot and deep, and oh-so-stirring.

Molly came up for air and straight-armed him. “If that’s your way of shutting me up—”

He laughed and kissed her again, this time for a tickling, teasing smooch. “That was my way of making myself feel better.” He smoothed his thumb over her cheek. “From the very beginning I’ve been irresistibly drawn to you. If you’re near enough, I’m going to want to touch and kiss you for no reason other than that I like it.”

Oh. Grudgingly, she said, “I like kissing you, too.”

“I know you do.” Smiling, he dropped his hands and stared out the windshield while he gathered his thoughts. “I always work alone, Molly. Other than Trace, there’s never been anyone that I confided in to help me sort out details when I was on a case. When I’m not sure about things, I don’t want to alarm you, or give you false hope.”

She could understand that. “But nothing is ever really concrete, is it?”

“I can usually narrow things down to some pretty damn good guesses.”

His lack of modesty amused her. “I know. And I understand why at first, you tried to…shield me.”

“It hasn’t been that long yet.” He turned his head to give her a long look of consideration. “Yeah, you’re more relaxed every day, but it’s there, Molly. I see it in your eyes still. The fact that someone is following us—”

“Still?” She twisted around to peer out each window, and saw no one.

“You see? You’re jumpy as hell about it, when there’s no reason. Do you honestly think I’d stop here if there was any danger to you?”

Venturing the right reply, she said, “No?”

“So much confidence in me.” He shook his head. “No, I wouldn’t. We’re being followed, but not aggressively. Whoever is on my tail is a pro and probably just wants to know where I’m going with you. Hell, it could be your dad just keeping up with you out of concern.” She snorted.

“Yeah, I doubt that, too. But it’s possible.”

“Want me to call him and tell him to back off? If he knows we’re on to him—”

“No.”

“Because…?”

“It might not be him, and I don’t want to tip off anyone.”

Molly let out a sigh, and insisted on the truth. “So, what’s the most likely scenario?”

After gauging her interest, Dare shrugged. “I’d say it’s probably someone who wants to know where I’m taking you in the hopes of getting to you again.”

Oh, God. She bit her lip. Hard. Then nodded. “Okay, so I assume that you have a plan?”

“Yeah.” Blue eyes glittering, Dare said, “To kill anyone who tries to touch you.”

“Oh.” Rubbing her forehead didn’t relieve the sudden pressure there. “You know, maybe if it’s possible not to kill anyone—”