Page 28 of Inescapable Gravity

Once they were in the room, Heather turned on him.

* * *

It took a few seconds to see that the violin was intact. It was whole and in good condition. She couldn't see a single mark on its surface, but the same wasn't true for her heart.

She turned around and glared at Marius. "How... how could you?"

He stared back at her in shock. She could read that much in his expression.

"What?"

"You!" She screamed at him, almost frantic inside.

Now that the rush of adrenaline had worn off, she felt the fear coursing through her veins.

She reached up and tore off the mask that was barely remaining in place on its own. Heather threw it across the room and heard the satisfying thump where it hit the wall.

Marius took a step forward but he hesitated instead of reaching for her. "Heather-"

"No..." The word felt more like a moan coming from her gut. "No." She shook her head. "No!" She lurched forward and pushed him back, her hands on his chest. "You don't get to do that!"

He grabbed her shoulders and then dropped his hands to her upper arms.

She struggled against him.

She didn't want to let go of her anger.

"Heather-"

"What if you had been shot?"

"What?"

"You," she struggled again, hoping he would let her go, "you could have been shot!"

"Baby-"

"No! Don't try to placate me. I didn't want you to get hurt. I can't... I won't survive it."

He pulled her closer, tugging her off balance. "Heather, stop."

She brought her hands up between them and pushed with all of her might.

She was angry.

She was scared.

Her heart was pounding in her chest. Blood roaring in her ears.

She pulled free of his arms and turned around. She wrapped her arms around herself and fought off tears.

"Heather, look at me."

She felt his heat behind her, his hands on her shoulders, gently holding her still.

Heather shook her head. "Don't. Please."

She heard movement behind her and when she heard his voice it was lower, as if he was on his knees behind her.