She frowned, squeezing his hand. "You heard what Alyssa said. Romero would have found me whether I met you or not to get to Alyona.'
She watched him carefully. "I wouldn't have done it any different.. except maybe not leave you behind."
He exhaled a little, studying her with clear eyes. When his memories were gone, his eyes were cloudy and lost, but right now, they were focused on her. "I love you, Fleur."
She kissed him back before pausing. "I.. I want you to try and make up your mind soon about our relationship."
He hesitated, looking down at her nervously. He was silent for a moment. "That's fair," he said lightly, although she would know him well enough to be able to detect the panic under his voice. "That's fair."
She took his hands, her touch soft, as a small twinge of guilt crossed her face. "I'm sorry for making you decide but.. Knowing that the options are open and not knowing when or what you're going to say is making me anxious.."
His hands were shaking and he pulled them away, his brow furrowed. "I understand. When do you need to know?"
She looked down at his hands with a frown, dropping hers as she spoke half-heartedly. "Just.. I don't know. Within the next week. Two weeks? I don't know how long it will take you to decide."
"If you're giving me an ultimatum, Fleur, I need you to set a firm deadline," he said flatly. "When do you need me to decide? Friday?"
He turned away from her, going over to the couch. He reached down, picking up the blanket that Alyssa was covered with and began to fold it, flapping the blanket to straighten out the wrinkles tightly, his shoulders tense. "Okay, then."
"Fleur, I'm sorry, but I don't think we can talk right now," he said, his voice low. "If this is going to be it, I gotta know that I can be without you."
She looked a little hurt, her hand dropping before she turned and started back to her room hesitantly.
