“Because while you might be older, might be deadly in a thousand different ways, deep down, you’re afraid. You don’t know how to ask me to stay, because you’re afraid of admitting to yourself that you want it. You’re afraid. Of yourself more than anyone else in the world. You’re afraid.” For several heartbeats, she just stared at him. Then she snarled, “You don’t know what you’re talking about,” and stalked away. His low laugh ripped after her. Her spine stiffened. But Manon did not turn back. Afraid. Of admitting that she felt any sort of attachment. It was preposterous. And it was, perhaps,
...more
