take what he wanted from her or take her until neither of them could see straight which was the only thing he wanted to do.  Kianti was checking her hair in the dresser mirror and nodded once in approval of the tiny braids that drew her hair back away from her forehead while leaving the rest of the heavy mass draping past her shoulders. She was turning away from the dresser when the pill bottle caught her eye. Her fist clenched reflexively and she pressed it to her chin before leaning over to grab the bottle. Brushing her thumb across the label as she studied it, she debated on whether to take one just in caseâ¦. âDammit, Key,â she said and slammed the bottle back to the dresser. How could she even consider giving up something she was so determined to accomplish in order to indulge in a few moments (hopefully a few hours) with Therin Rucker? Nothing was worth that. Not even the pleasure he was sure to bring if his kisses were any clue. The bell rang and she inhaled slowly as though resolving the issue in her head.  âDid you have a horrible time with the traffic?â she asked after greeting Therin at the front door. âIt must be a lot different here than it is in Vancouver.â âIt wasnât so bad.â He shrugged, his light eyes appreciatively taking in her hair and the turquoise halter she wore. âWhyâd you decide to stay there instead of moving back to the States once your post was up?â Kianti asked while heading for the kitchen. Therin followed, smiling at the fuzzy black slippers that slapped at the glossy hardwoods. âVancouverâs more my styleâthen thereâs the place itself. Damn beautiful.â His voice softened and at that moment he wasnât referring to the city, but the woman in his line of sight. âMakes me feel like Iâm in a different timeâplace.â He shrugged offering the sudden explanation when she caught him staring. âKeeps me mellow.â Her dark eyes registered understanding. âIs that important to you? To feel mellow?â âWellâ¦yeah.â He smiled on the admission. âIâd say the same is true for youâam I right?â Kianti didnât hesitate with her nod. âIs that what your disappearing backstage is about? You make a habit of doing that?â He strolled closer with his thumbs hooked in the belt loops of his denims. âIt helps.â She resumed her journey toward the kitchen. Therin bit his lip on the next question for only a second before deciding to bite the bullet and ask. âHelps with what?â The long fork sheâd reached for hit the cream stovetop with a clatter. âWhat do you mean?â âHell,â Therin muttered and took a moment to work his fingers against the muscles tensed at the back of his neck. âI know Brody Parker is a doctor. I thought he might be yours.â She smiled and reached for the fork again. âI assure you, Iâm not contagious.â Therin reciprocated the smile. âI didnât suspect that you were.â He neared the island and watched her at the stove. âI didnât mean to offend you.â âItâs okay.â She was already shaking her head. âI definitely canât blame you for asking especially after that pathetic lie I told about Brody being my cook.â She laughed shortly over the memory. Therin took a seat on one of the Chinese stools surrounding the chopping-block-top kitchen island. âWhyâd you feel the need to tell me that?â âHmph.â Kianti turned and leaned against the stove. âTherin, I have a heart condition that can cause a spike in my blood pressure. My playing affects it, as does virtually any overexertion.â She toyed with the O-ring at the front of her halter. âIâve been taking pills for several years to regulate it. Thereâs no other treatment aside from a heart