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Touched - and I must confess, stunned by that statement, I reached out to touch her face.

She had said the same thing when we made our way from WhiSare to Milani but I guess I must have thought that she was trying to tell me to be careful on our trip so she wouldn't have to explain to mom in detail what happened to me.

But her eyes were honest. She meant every single word she said.

"I have nothing to live for without you Shawn. If that spear had somehow missed me and come for you, I would have found a way to make sure I died with you. Losing you...I will never risk your life again."

Her hand in mine reached for my arm, then my shoulder. Her cold fingers convulsed on my shoulder. She squeezed and pulled me in.

I went willingly. I have never let a woman be in charge of my thoughts, or my life this way. But with Kayla I am willing to experience first times. Her eyes were on my lips which parted in anticipation for her cold kiss. Hers were damp, red and parted.

I closed my eyes and her