"All I see is a man brave enough to look inside and see himself so clearly." There was the merest pause. "A man who has punished himself far too long already, a man who is punishing himself." She shook her head. Very gently she smoothed the lines scored beside his mouth. "It's time to stop, Aidan. It's time to let yourself heal." He moved suddenly, snaring her close and tight. "Then help me, sweet." The words were a hot, muttered plea against her lips. "Help me heal. Help me ."