i wanted to hate her for doing this to me , but the only thing i could feel for her was pity . it was a deliberate reminder that he could read her thoughts . my heart picked up its pace . `` pete , i 'm so scared , '' she said in a whisper that was almost a moan . he might have hated that brand at one point in his life , but he 'd grown to love it as much as the woman who 'd given it to him . 