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Three

Declan

I’ field behind the house when I hear her behind me

“Declan?”

I turn to Finley withher maybe fifteen feet behind me, one hand drawn up to her throat as if she thinks she needs a shield “Right about what?”

It’s windy She pushes her hair out of her face

I jaether till I’m sure that I can keepabout me—what I want” My heart pounds as she steps closer I shift so my left arm stays behind me

“What do you want?” she whispers

I shake my head “Don’t do this, Finley I’ht, she looks like she’s shivering I think maybe I see tears on her face She steps closer, and I’m sure

“Hey…” I take a half-step toward her before re I can’t touch her “You should let me drive you back”

Her mouth trembles as she shakes her head

“Want to come inside…just for a second?”

She shakes her head

“What’s the matter, Siren?”

Tears spill down her cheeks I step closer to her, but I don’t knohat to do Can I hug her? Would that s worse?