Guilt surged through Ethan when he remembered what she had been through, and it was even made worse by her telling him not to kiss her.

He put his arms around her and kissed her again, heedless of her words. He was so afraid of losing her that it was the only way he could be reassured of her presence.

He was especially terrified that she would leave him because of his bad temper.

“I can only get better if you kiss me, Jane. You cannot abandon me.”

“No, no, no, I meant… I am still ...