Chapter 85. Fierce Longing

Bryan looked out the window.

Sharon stared at the broad tense sweep of his back, tears filling her eyes. We hy was he so cruel, so cold? Her mouth trembled with self pity.

'You will have to sleep on the floor', she told him fiercely, as long seconds tickled by in strained silence.

'No', he turned, his face hard. That bed is big enough for the both of us.

'But....', she faltered, her eyes wide.

'Damnit, I am not going to rape you', he said angrily. He moved towards her and she backed away shaking. How could she possibly explain to him that she could not share his bed because she was more frightened of herself than if him? That she could not trust herself to control her feelings and desires?

'I didn't mean....'

'No? You are as transparent as a glass'. His anger frightened her.

'Bryan, look I....' She didn't know what to say to him.

Even now as he came towards her, tall and powerful in the dim light, she felt weak with longing for him. If