ETAN
She jerked back, her face wide with shock. He watched a dozen emotions chase each other across her features as they stared at each other for a count of five.
Then his heart died, because that light in her eyes went out.
"I'm sorry, you're right," she said in a low, shaking voice. She looked down at herself and her cheeks flushed red. She hurriedly yanked the sides of her leathers closed over her chest and began fighting with those buttons again, but her fingers were trembling.
"Ayleth," he said on a sigh.
"I'm sorry if I... I just… I've missed you and… it was hard to…"
"Ayleth," he said softly, reaching for her hands, but she whirled away and turned her back, busying herself with her leathers.
"No, you're right. I was… out of control. I just… I've never felt these things before. They are, overwhelming," and her voice cracked.
Etan closed his eyes.
