i thought that too brief respite would help me . what stopped him was as simple as it was powerful . by number three , he 'd been just fine with her spending the night . her first thought is for her mother , though whether it 's a wish to protect or to be protected , she 's not really sure . the familiar hurt sat in her chest and threatened tears . grinning at her , he picked it up . she pressed her hand to her mouth , hard . 