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She returned to the sofa Davian remained quiet as he seethed or bristled or did whatever he did thatwith his broody air

Prickly sensations et the ether, but don’t try to handwith in the first place”

Her own te his response Endless minutes ticked by, until he finally joined her on the couch

“You deserve ive you a lot—but, as I’ve ”

“I’”

“That’s the problem”

He leaned forward, resting his forears A defeated look, she decided And one she found disconcerting, particularly co from him

She said, “You realize we’re just picking at a scab, right? And there’s nothing healed or pleasant underneath”

“Maybe that’s e’ve coaze shifted from the fire to her “You have to admit, we’re similar in many respects”

“And worlds apart in others”

His voice lowered “It doesn’t have to be that way”

“Yes, it does I can’t change who I am—I wouldn’t if I could And I know my place”

He swept his fingers through her hair “I admire that about you But I also want to alter it”

“I don’t” Jade unfolded her ar into him

He glanced down at her and she stared deep into his eyes, wishing she had the ued hilass with the sand running out When my time is up, it’ll be infinitely more peaceful for me Until then, I’m content with my position in this coned for me”