Padma drew back as though slapped. "I'm not trying to leave you!"
Hurt and angry, she stared at him for a moment. "And I'm not running away. I just..." need a break "... need to give them time to track him down. I'd never forgive myself if I stayed and he came to the store and did something to you or to Brenna or anyone here. I'll be back as soon as he's caught and sent back."
She supposed she should have expected this from him, but she honestly thought that he'd come to understand that she loved him and that she wouldn't just leave him. But maybe he wanted to leave her... maybe he was tired of her but felt obligated to stay.