* Zendara *

Jess retorted, "Liar."  Turning toward him, she frowned, "Are you going to tell me or do I have to beat it out of you?"

Raising an eyebrow, Gedeaddon gave her a knowing smile, "I'm waiting."

She asked, "What?"  Getting up, he packed their belongings.  Standing, she tossed her hands in the air, "What's that mean?"

Spinning, he swiftly closed the distance between them.  "It means that you're all sugar and sweet now, but one day," he grabbed her slender waist and lifted her to his height, "you'll grow into a woman, open your eyes, and see me the way I am."

"Put me down.  Now," Jess ordered.  When her feet were back on the ground, she removed his hands, stepped around him, and walked to stand in the middle of the room.  Turning to face him, she shook her head, "When are you going to stop trying to make me see what you want me to see when I see what's real?"

Gedeaddon strode toward her, "You'll leave."  Either that or die.  Most die, he admitted.

She eyed him, "Do you think you know me so well as to decide what I'll do?"

Swiftly lifting her again, he spoke between clenched teeth, "What do you see?"

Jess studied his face.  He had ebony eyes and teak brown hair.  He was powerfully built and very muscular.  He was taller than most men and rock solid in his ways.  Outside he was cold and hard, but on the inside, his heart was warm and soft.  She smiled, "I see a good man."

Gedeaddon almost dropped her, "Are you blind?  I'm an ugly, hideous, freaking animal.  I'm a dog," he stated coldly.

Putting her hands on his shoulders, she braced herself, "And that means?"

Growling, he opened his mouth and thought about the words, tell her a wolf bit me and I really am a dog.  Yep, that's a smart one, he clamped his mouth shut.

"Do you think I see only what is before my eyes and not my heart?  I don't see most things as other people see them.  In the eyes of femininity you're not an attractive man, however," Jess smiled, "in the eyes of masculinity you're all any man could ever wish to be.  Don't you think I see strength of muscle, reliable valor, honorable intentions, steadfast gallantry, and devotion to responsibility?"  Absorbing her words, he slowly lowered her to the floor.  She let her hands slowly slide down to rest on his chest.  "I'll leave when I desire to," she smiled sweetly, "and that day may never come.  But you will not," she angrily slammed his chest with both her fists, "make or drive me away.  Do you understand?"

Gedeaddon stepped back, "Fine."  But you'll leave sooner or later.  Mark my word, you will leave me.  He watched her nibble a few more pieces of cheese and fruit as an unbidden smile touched his lips.  She is so small, so delicate, so-  A knock on the door broke his musing.