Designed but Not Perfect

Do you really want this bond?"

Before I could stop it, my voice rose above the noises of the jungle and the enquiry slipped me. Luca stopped halfway between steps, his shoulders stiffening as if the words had hit him physically.

He turned slowly, his grey eyes alert and defensive. "Based on what type of enquiry is that? — "

My chest constricting, I added, "The kind you never answer." "You preach about togetherness and trust, yet each time we grow closer you withdraw.

Tell me, then: are you only living with this link as you have no choice, or do you really want it?"

His jaw tightened, and for a second I worried he would go off. When he did speak at last, however, his voice was low and frustrated. "You assume this is simple for me? That I do not doubt it every damned day. — "

Then, why do you not say that? I insisted, approaching further closely. "Why do you shut everything inside while I'm over here attempting to hold us together? "