“You're still here," he whispered."They couldn't drag me away.”

“The good news is" he paused, carefully choosing his words, "I kissed you, and you're still here.”

“I don't understand what you're still doing here."She blinked and nodded miserably, then began to turn away."No!" He pulled her back. "Don't leave. It's just that you've never—we've never... gotten this far." He closed his eyes. "Will you say it again?" he asked, almost shyly. "Will you tell me ... what I am?""You're an angel," she repeated slowly, surprised to see Daniel close his eyes and moan in pleasure, almost as if they were kissing. "I'm in love with an angel.”

“No, he hadn’t just dragged her to California. He’d dragged her into a cursed eternity. A burden thatshould have been his alone to bear.”

“At last." He breathed into her, finding her lips. "You found me," she whispered. "Always.”

“Will you stay with me ” she asked. Her voice was the thinnest whisper almost canceled out by a low groan of thunder.... Forever ” he whispered back. The sweet sound of his voice filled her up.”

“Don't go," she whispered, her eyes closed. It was all happening too fast. She couldn't give Daniel up. Not yet. She didn't think she ever could.”