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Talk to hi on touchy-feely conversations And he was the last person she could share this with He had no faith in her gift—or, in this case, her curse

“I can’t I’m too… You don’t understand…”

“Maybe not” Ryan’s knuckles caressed her cheek “But I’ll try”

That did it

Claire began to openly sob, turning her face into the side of Ryan’s neck “It won’t go away,” she wept

“What won’t?”

“The aura of death…underground…buried…” The words were just tu out, uncensored, and Claire had no control over them “I’m always inside the head and e what they’re experiencing It drains one, when they die, it’s over The connection is severed”

“Okay” Ryan didn’t come back with any jibes He just listened

“Like with Julie” Claire sed, still fighting for self-control, and still losing the fight But at least she was somewhat coherent now “I felt the ione, so was the vision I’ve never actually felt a dead person before But now I a insideelse I guess that just noe…when I…”

“Ca to help Claire in the only way he kne

It worked

“Yes” Claire could feel Ryan’s gentle teasing flow through her, start to ease back the pain Her crying slowed, then ceased “It was like one giant release The proverbial floodgates opened”

“That’s pure skill on iant releases”

Claire leaned back, her face still drenched with tears, blinking at Ryan’s audacious state expression In spite of herself, she started to laugh And the laughter felt good, oh so good

“You arrogant ass” She punched his shoulder, touched by the lingering concern she saw on his face “But, in all fairness, I guess I needed that So I should be thanking you, huh?”