she was weak from the hours of walking . any further words tangled in her throat and ice settled where the ashes of her heart had been as he slammed the door . her lips pressed into his neck and her tongue flicked over his pulse . she peered across the room at the dark window , but the sidewalk outside was empty . he pulls a face as he puts his plate in the sink . i said , not that i dont appreciate it lace , but next time can i have a little advance notice . 