Tibi said in a soothing voice she might use on a rabid animal. He turned around. There was trepidation in her eyes, but far from running, as he feared she might, she eased closer in his direction. Fists at his side, he closed his eyes and grappled with the enraged beast thrashing for release. Haunted by the source of his pain, he regretted allowing Tibi to see his loss of temper. She must think he was a lunatic. What kind of man exploded over what should be a simple question? To his amazement, he felt her arms band around his waist. She pressed her cheek to the center of his chest in an act of selfless comfort that sent the beast he’d failed to conquer running for its cage. Without thought, he crushed her against him. He kissed the top of her head, her temple, the gentle curves of her cheek and chin. Their eyes met in a moment of deep, intense connection. He claimed her lips with a kiss infused with all the adoration she inspired in him and belonged to her alone. “I love you, Tibi,”
