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She rolled onto her side, exposing her toned midriff.

Striker’s gaze snapped away from her soft, pale skin as his cock hardened. He wasn’t here to leer. Wren was sick. She didn’t need a jerk pawing at her. She needed a friend. Still, he was a male. Anyone would react to seeing such a treat.

She went to sit up and groaned.

He grabbed her shoulders. “Are you sure you should be moving?”

“Yes! I told you, you’re worrying about nothing.”

“ELVIS never worries if it isn’t important. You’re lucky he didn’t send a whole medical team here. He always looks out for you.”

“Instead, he sent you to make fun of me.”

That hurt more than it should. “Have you heard me laugh once?”

She glared at him. “No. I bet you’re laughing on the inside.”

Striker pressed his lips together. “How you got into this mess is hell of a funny. You fell asleep on the job, ran late for the mission, got puked on by a killer critter, then tripped over your feet and whacked your head.”

She clicked her tongue. “When you put it like that...”

“Yes?”

A small smile crossed her face. The sweetness of it made his heart ache. He wanted to see her smile all the time. She usually scowled when she was around him.

“Okay, it is kind of funny,” she said, “and embarrassing.”

He grinned. “I promise I won’t tell anyone about it.”

“Don’t you dare.” She scowled at him. That was the expression he was used to. “Pass me that bedspread.”

“There’s no need for that.” His gaze skated over her lithe figure. “You’re perfect as you are.”

She held out a hand. “Now, Striker. And help me up. I’ll feel better once I’m off the floor.”

He grabbed the pale pink bedspread and handed it to her.

She wrapped it around herself like a towel, hiding the assets he always enjoyed thinking about.

He caught hold of her hand and carefully eased her to her feet. “Now what?”

“Let me sit on the couch. I need to catch my breath. We’ve only got a couple of minutes until our mission is due to leave. Everyone will be wondering where we are.”

“I’ll deal with that. All the equipment is sorted. Let’s get you on the couch first.” He led her slowly into the main living room.

Dinky circled him, growling all the time.

“I know I’ve asked you before, but does that thing bite?” he said.

“Only people he doesn’t like,” Wren said.

“Then I’m screwed.” He eased her onto the couch.

She let out a whoosh of air. “Thanks. The medical patch is already helping. The dizziness is almost gone.”

“Good. And I can help even more.” He walked to the comm panel on her wall and opened a channel to Hunter.

“Where are you, Striker? Your mission is booked to leave in two minutes.” Hunter’s deep stern voice came over the comm line.