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Tess felt as if she'd been struck She wanted to shake hi to break through the distance he'd encased himself in

But there was nothing she could do He was sitting right beside her, touching her, and it felt as if he were a million miles away Oh, God

He took her into his ar to him Their tear-streaked faces were cheek to cheek, and then, slowly, they drew apart just far enough to gaze into each other's eyes

The kiss he gave her was desperate and frightened and tasted of their tears

That night, Jack stood at the bedroomand stared at the shadowy farm His body felt taut, as if his skin were stretched to the breaking point Frustration lay like a thick, angry fog in hisit all

For a few precious otten his past

He let out his breath in a ragged sigh that clouded the pane

"Come to bed, Jack"

He stiffened Behind him, the bed planks creaked be-

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neath Lissa's weight Please don't come over here, he prayed desperately He knew that if he touched her, even once, he'd be lost He'd never have the strength to turn away To protect her from the darkness in himself

"II'm not tired I think I'll just?"

"Come to bed"

He didn't move She did

Jack tensed, feeling her every step like a blow to the