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“I didn’t know what she was.”
It would be so easy to rip Ben’s head off. “What sheis. She’s a woman. Strong and beautiful. The same as she’s always been.”
“It’s a lot to handle, all right? My head is spinning, I’ve got a body to deal with?—”
“And you didn’t have to treat Erin like she’s somethingless.” Would Erin get too pissed if he clawed the guy a bit? What she didn’t know...
“I-Icareabout her,” the cop mumbled, and his eyes fell.
What?Care, not cared. A snarl from the tiger that was echoed by the man as he charged, “You didn’t act like you do.”
“Because I saw the way she looked at you!” Ben’s fists rose up between them and he shoved against Jude’s chest.
Jude didn’t move. “Run that by me again.” Maybe he wouldn’t use his claws on the human. Not yet.
“I always knew Erin had secrets.” Another shove with those fists. Hmmm…Benwasstronger than he looked.
Jude still didn’t move.
“I tried as hard as I could to get close to her, but she always kept me locked out.” His eyes narrowed. “She doesn’t keep you out, does she?”
A smile curved his lips. “The woman tried.”A wolf.Who would have thought?—
“Butyougot close to her. I saw it, when she looked at you, Isaw it.” Another shove. Okay, more of a two-fisted punch this time.
Jude went with it and let his body slide back.
“You’re sleeping with her.” Bitten off. “Don’t bother lying, I couldseethat, too. When you looked at her, it was all over your face.”
“And Erin thinks I’m not territorial,” Jude murmured.
The cop’s eyes showed his fury. “She cared enough to protect me, but not to confide in me, not like she’s done with you.” Bitterness there.
Jude realized if the situation were reversed—damn lucky it wasn’t—he’d be bitter, too. A hell of a lot more than bitter.
A muscle flexed along Ben’s jaw. “She left me behind. Do you think she’ll do the same to you?”
Not if he had anything to say about the matter. Jude was playing for keeps.
“You gonna be able to handle things if she walks on you?”
Jude stared at him.
“Guess we’ll see,” the cop said, and Jude thought about punching him. Ben straightened his shirtfront. “I’m not leaving the area just yet. I’ll be around if Erin should need me.”
“Out of your league,” Jude told him again, meaning the words as a warning. He’d hate for the cop to get killed. Explaining his death to Erin would be a bitch.
“Well, maybe it’s time I got into a new league.” Ben shouldered past him and headed for the closed door.
Jude watched him, brows low. Easy prey, but...
Ben glanced back. “If you let that bastard hurt her, I’ll come after you, tiger.” A pause. “She’s not mine anymore, but?—”
He broke off and shook his head, but Jude understood.
But she’s still Erin.
“Now you’re getting it,” he said softly.
