The abruptness of her leaving made something heavy fall in Gabriel's gut and without thinking he stumbled after her. Suddenly the thought of being alone again was unconscionable, and besides, he still needed help to clean the floor.

By the time he reached the door he heard the sound of leaves rustling and flesh hitting timber, and sank against the door-jamb with a mixture of relief and frustration. "Right," he said in a carrying voice with that tone of sarcasm that said he was hiding everything else, "because hurting yourself is going to make it all better."

Yet in a weird way, it was actually comforting. It was also unnerving. He couldn't tell if she was angry at him or on his behalf.