i could only give her a fraction of the details , and then in a few days , i would n't be able to tell her anything . i knew she would n't like that any more than i did . our relationship had been built on secrets and lies , and now i had to go right back to not telling her stuff . to keeping secrets . i did n't like it , but my eye was on the end goal

'' marry me , '' he said , surprising both of them with the question . but he was even more stunned when , after a brief pause , she smiled gently and touched his cheek , shaking her head . '' you do n't want to be married , mikhail . it 's not in you to be a husband

'' seriously , '' luke said and sounded as though he 'd gained a degree of control over his temper . '' do you really want to bring the police into our lives so they can get a look at mom ? they 'll definitely haul her off , i 'll be on my own and you 'll go into the system as a minor . '' stephanie was quiet for a moment then she added solemnly , '' i do n't like her , luke

'' bring her inside , marcus . '' floating again . numb . nothing hurt . blessed darkness . i turned over onto my side , submerging half of my face in water , and i realized that i could still breathe-could breathe right through the creek , like it was n't even there . completely accepting of this development-and delighted-i took a deep breath and dove under the water - '' put her on the couch ,
marcus