"If you haven't guessed it already,' I said, something fervent and resonating slipping into my tone, 'I need you, too.''Is that a yes?' he asked, pushing his fingers through my hair, fanning it out around my sholders and searching my face intently. 'Please let it be yes,' he said with a gravelly edge. 'Stay with me tonight. Let me hold you, even if that's all it is. Let me keep you safe."