stella 's palm flew and connected to my cheek before she pushed against my chest , making me back off . to seek after such things is a sin that , i fear , too many of us ignore . '' just promise me that you wo n't be stubborn enough to keep me in the dark . '' no , i didnt clean under the bed . `` at least my pages are numbered this time . '' two bar stools are on their side . her arm slipped around his waist . 