““No new beginnings. Damn it, it shouldn’t bother her! But it did. She tried to turn away, but his hand flashed out and caught her by the chin. “Let me go,” she snapped. “Nay.” His grip was implacable on her jaw. There was little point in fighting for control of her face; he could have hoisted her into the air with that one big hand on her jaw, if he’d wished. He searched her gaze a long silent moment. “You truly doona ken it, do you? Excepting with you, Jessica. You, lass, are the exception to everything,” he said softly. As if he’d not just knocked the breath out of her with those words and left her feeling weak-kneed, he released her chin, turned away, and began pushing the cart again.””
