Chapter 201

• Bravely holding Edward's gaze, I can actually see how those dazzling green eyes slowly turn hard and resolved as Edward makes up his mind. He clearly isn't willing to discuss the matter any further. Hurt explodes in my chest and I quickly pull back, moving away from his touch. Those large hands that have been lovingly cupping my cheeks fall heavily to his lap and I can see him wince and feel the sting of regret flow through him. He's already trying to cover up the fact that he has consciously decided not to open up to me and I know that he will do what he can to smooth things over.
• "Bella-," he begins, but I quickly cut him off with a cold voice.
• "It's fine," I lie, wishing that the earth would swallow me whole or that I could do what I always do; run away, but I know that I can't do that.