Still think?

Con's own voice is strained with emotions, his own worry and anger boiling beneath the surface. "No." He stands his ground, looking down at Nate. He had grown to trust Nate, and even like Nate. But he was in protective mode, and no one, not even her boyfriend would make him break his word to her.

"I'm sorry, Nate. But I promised her that I would let her be alone. She doesn't want to see anyone right now. Leave her be until she's ready."

His eyes are half pleading for Nate's cooperation, and half ordering him. He wasn't playing around... not with this... not with his baby sister.


"Croc hunter," Ryder grumbles. He sits up untangling himself from the blanket. "You want croc hunter, I'll give you croc hunter."

Getting to his feet, Ryder vaults over the couch. The blanket in one hand, he reaches Katie in two strides, grabbing her and spinning her around. The blanket wraps around her like a cocoon, trapping her arms.

Ignoring his throbbing shoulder, Ryder picks Katie up like a sack of potatoes, heads back to his starting point and dumps her onto the couch.

"Still think it's funny, Miss crocodile? Or do I have to get out the ropes?"