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He stepped closer to her bed, hands clenched and telepathic powers gathered in readiness for a battle on both fronts Anger stained her cheeks brilliant scarlet, and the sheet fell forgotten around her waist

"Why, you— " She raised her ared forward, then fell back with a cry, her eyes screwed tight against the pain

"Rebecca!" His anger disappeared, drowned in a sea of cold fear If she'd injured herself because of him

"I'h clenched teeth

"I'm sorry Whatever you want is acceptable to me"

"About time"

"Just pro rash"

"Oh, youto marry someone I barely know? Okay I won't"

"No I s that would hurt you" He meant physical pain But where did one kind of pain leave off and another begin? He didn't want to hurt her in any way After what they'd just experienced, he knew separation would hurt her But he couldn't make that decision for her He couldn't play it safe and back away froain He had to go for it, and believe in the strength of their connection

He took a deep breath "If that's what you decide you want, I'll accept your wishes"

"You will?" She opened her eyes and looked at hied to take her in his arms and console her But he couldn't

"I will If what you really, truly want is to be left alone here, I'll tell the doctor that when he coo away and leave you alone"

She frowned "I don't want to be alone It's justEverything'sso fast"

"I don't want you to be alone, either" He took a chance and sat down on the side of her bed She didn't tell hiet to know each other, more slowly this time?"

"Yes" She nodded, a faint sh her restraint "I'd like that You can come here— "