Excerpt
"You see why I've got to go," he said, his voice raw.
"Why I should've stayed gone for good this time."
"No!" She lifted her hand and he recoiled violently.
She let her hand fall. She snatched a half breath, feeling as if her lungs would burst. "Don't do this, Rafferty, please. It hurts me so much when you do this."
"Yeah, well I'm glad it hurts you, Clementine."
He took a step, not away from her but toward her, and her breath stopped again. His hand stole up to grip her chin. He brought his face so close to hers the moist heat of his harsh breath was like steam on her mouth. Her lips felt thick and hot, as if he had already kissed them.
His fingers tightened, hurting her. He brought his mouth closer still, almost touching hers. That close, but no closer. "Because loving you is killing me," he said.