Five years ago Joah was culled -- kidnapped by the government to be trained as a soldier. In the process, they erased his memory, destroying his past, his dreams, everything but his name. Armed with that alone, Joah escapes from the facility in search of someone to help him recall the man he used to be.<br><br>That person is Tobin, Joah’s husband, who never gave up hope of finding him again. He refuses to believe that the strength of his love alone won’t be enough to bring back Joah’s memories of their shared lives, and he’s determined to bring back the man beneath the soldier, the man he knows has to love him.<br><br>But an alarm in the chip blocking Joah’s memories was triggered at his escape, and if it isn’t removed soon, it will shriek his life away. Removing it won’t bring back his past, and may destroy the present that Tobin has tried so hard to build between them. How can the love they once shared possibly survive?

Persistence of Memory

He must see in my eyes the fear that springs up at his words, because he smiles disarmingly and turns away. “I’m not going to push you,” he says, his voice sad. “Just knowing you’re here is enough. It’s going to have to be.” 


“Tobin,” I say, catching his arm as he stands. I wait for him to look down at me and then I smile. But I don’t know what to say—what canI say? That I missed him too? But I didn’t. I didn’t know he existed until today. “I’m sorry,” I whisper. 


As he leaves the room, I touch my lips tentatively, still feeling the hum of his kiss. This must be killing him inside. How can he be so strong? Was what we had together worth this pain I’m causing him now? 


Chapter 4