Chapter 41: Paranoia Creeps In

"You want me to stay, don't you?" I whisper to the life inside me. "You need me to be strong."

Decision made - at least for the time being - I climb to my feet again, then walk down the rest of the stairs.

It's strange, being here by myself. I'm still amazed by the size of Rafe's house, and I wonder how he doesn't get lonely, having all this space to himself. Now that the immediate question of whether I'm staying or going has been answered, my curiosity begins to take over. This is my one chance to look around without Rafe here.

Rafe's house is as spectacular as I remember from my brief visit here a few days ago. I wander from room to room, admiring the simple, streamlined décor. It's not as warm and inviting as Dante and Ashlyn's house, but there's something more rugged about it - dark leather furniture, tables and chairs made of heavy, knotty-grained wood, and even a large fireplace that looks like something out of a hunting lodge. Not sure why anyone would ever need a fireplace h