Chapter 284: At What Cost?

It must be almost impossible for her. Everything in her life - including me - is all wrapped up within the pain she carries. Even our most intimate moments are entangled in our fear of how she might react.

Moving on from what happened, can't be easy but she's the bravest woman I know.

"I don't want you to worry," she tells me but it's easier said than done.

I've watched her leave me enough times to know I don't want to face that again.

"Please Jarrod."

I step towards her, just a fraction as I lift my hand to remove my shirt.

"Do you have condoms?" I ask gruffly.

She nods, her tear strained eyes lighting up.

As I undress, I lay out some ground rules.

"Tallulah," I say, "if it gets too much you must tell me."

She nods again.

"Promise," I demand because I'm scared sh*tless.

"I promise."

"We'll see how it goes. I'm not promising anything," I tell her.

I may stop before either of us find completion if I think she's hurting.

"I won't hurt you."