"We can prevent it by not having her. That's all I can see." And it was the option she fully intended to run with, that was how deeply the experience had cut her. "As long as it's just me, you never get to make that deal, okay? Can you just promise me that? As long as it's just me...I can handle it. Whatever they might do."
Cathy squeezed her eyes shut, the aching in her head almost overpowering. For the first time, she did feel safe and warm, though the feelings dissipated as soon as he pulled away. Her eyes blinking open, she rolled onto her back to focus in on him. A hint of a smile appeared. "Come back."