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were similar enough for her to know without an introduction that this
was Rabb’s brother.
    “This is Eliza Hart,” Rabb told the man. Then he turned to
her. “This is my brother Nevar.”
    She stuck out her hand. “Pleased to meet you.”
    Nevar took her hand and gave it a brief shake. “Nice to meet
you too. What’s this all about, Rabb?”
    “Let us in and I’ll tell you,” Rabb countered.
    She elbowed him in the stomach. Not that she hurt him. No,
his stomach was like a slab of steel. But she did get his attention. “What?”
    Really, the man was obtuse. “Maybe your brother is busy and
doesn’t need or want company right now.” She could feel her cheeks getting
warmer by the second.
    Rabb snorted. “If he was that busy he wouldn’t have answered
the damn door.”
    Eliza buried her face in her hands and groaned.
    “What’s wrong, Eliza?” Rabb asked.
    Nevar threw back his head and laughed. “As usual, you’re
like a bull in a china shop, Rabb. You’re embarrassing the lady.”
    Hands on his hips, Rabb studied her. “Am I embarrassing
you?”
    “I’m not answering that,” she countered. It wasn’t too late
for her to run. She didn’t need her knapsack or coat. There was a shelter not
far from here where she could probably get a replacement for both. It wasn’t as
if she had anything of real value in her bag. What little money she had was
stuffed in her jeans pocket for safekeeping.
    Nevar stepped back and opened the door wide. “Come on in,
Eliza.”
    Her stomach churned and her knees felt weak, but she stepped
into the apartment. It was exactly like Rabb’s in the layout, but it was
decorated differently. A Christmas tree stood in one corner of the living room,
its pine scent perfuming the air. The radio played low in the background. It
felt warm and cozy.
    A pretty woman with short brown hair and blue eyes smiled
when she saw Rabb. Her expression turned curious when her gaze landed on Eliza.
She was dressed casually in jeans and a sweater, but her clothing was good
quality. Eliza tugged on the hem of her sweater, feeling more ragged by the
second.
    “Hi, I’m Allison.”
    “Eliza.” She stuck out her hand. “Sorry to barge in without
calling.” She shot Rabb a glare that should have scorched him. Instead, the
damn man just grinned at her.
    “Don’t worry about it,” Allison told her. “Do you want some
coffee?”
    “That’s okay.” As much as she wanted it, she didn’t want to
be a bother.
    “I need to run some errands. Can I leave Eliza here with
you?”
    Shame filled her. She felt like a stray puppy that needed
watching so she didn’t pee on the carpet. “This really isn’t necessary,” she
began.
    “No problem,” Nevar told his brother.
    Eliza frowned at both men. Nevar was proving to be like his
brother in more than just appearance. Like Rabb, he steamrolled over her
objection.
    “Why don’t we have some coffee and chat,” Allison suggested.
“And let the men talk among themselves.”
    Shooting Rabb another glare, one that promised retribution
for his embarrassing her, she then turned to Allison. “If it’s not too much
trouble, I’d love a cup of coffee.”

Chapter Six
     
    Rabb wanted to go to Eliza, wrap his arms around her and
apologize. He knew she was embarrassed, and that had never been his intention.
    “Who is she, Rabb?” Nevar asked. He kept his voice low and
one eye on the women.
    Rabb knew his brother was curious, but it wasn’t his story
to tell. At least not now. He didn’t have time. He also didn’t want Eliza more
pissed with him than she already was.
    “She’s important. That’s all you need to know. Keep her in
sight while I’m gone.” Rabb checked his watch. He was running late and he hated
to be late. “I’ll be back before the bar opens.” He glanced once more at Eliza,
but she was talking to Allison. He had to believe she’d still be here when he
got back.
    He started to leave, thought better of it. She was annoyed
with him