Part 155 (1/2)

get him to bed.”

”Right.” Brian caught up with Emma outside. The snow had stopped, and

the moon had come out to s.h.i.+ne blue light. Automatically he clamped his

coat together to shut out the keen wind. ”Emma.” He laid a hand on her

shoulder. It was enough to stop her, but she didn't turn. ”I don't

blame you for being upset. I know it's a shock to see something like

that, to know that someone you care about is into that sort of thing.”

”Yes.” She took a deep breath before she turned to face him. Her eyes

were very clear. ”Yes, it is.”

”I don't use needles, Emma. I never have.”

There was a quick wave of relief, but she shook it away. ”And

everything else is all right?”

He dragged a frustrated hand through his hair. ”I'm not saying it's

right or wrong. I'm just saying it's reality.”

”Not my kind of reality.”

”I know, and I'm glad of it.” He cupped her face in his hand. ”Emma, if

I could, I'd s.h.i.+eld you from everything that hurts or upsets you.”

”I don't want to be s.h.i.+elded. I don't need to be.” They both turned as

P.M. and Johnno carried Stevie out to a waiting car. ”Is that the kind

of life you want? Is that what you've worked for, what you've dreamed

of?”

She made him ashamed by asking. Made him furious because he wasn't sure

of the answer. ”I can't explain it, Emma. But I know you don't get

everything you want, and you sure as h.e.l.l don't get everything you dream

of”

She turned away again, but didn't leave. Gently he pressed a kiss to