"I am sorry" was all Dana could say. Nothing more, nothing less.

"Please," his voice caught in his throat, "Don't leave."

       Dana touched his hand, as it lightly rested on her shoulder. She wanted so much to lean into his arms. To give into the desire that coursed through her body. To love him. But she couldn't. The fear of letting down those walls, of losing control, of letting him see the real her behind the facade that she had carefully constructed, terrified her. The fear was so intense she longed to run from his touch, to hide from the feelings that he produced in her, to escape.

"Let me in." Fox said as he stepped closer. "Let me see you."

       His voice was a whisper. His face so close, his breath moved through her hair. The sensation sent a ripple of desire through her body. She could feel his presence as he stepped closer. As his breath caressed his hair, her mind clouded with the image of Fox encircling her with his arms and pulling her into his waiting embrace.

       "I can't." she said. Her voice harsh and shaky with emotions so close to the surface she was sure he could see them glimmering on her skin.

       He closed his eyes. Fox ached to wrap his arms around her and hold her close. Taking away all the pain and fear. He could feel the heat of desire radiating from her, his body longed to touch her, to feel the heat on his skin. She was so close to letting him in, letting him love her, but she teetered on the edge of desire. One wrong touch, one wrong move and he would lose her forever. He couldn't bear the thought of losing her. She was a lifeline to happiness, without her he was not whole. What could he do to reassure her, to remove the walls so he could love her?

       "What can I do?" Fox asked, his heart pounding in his chest, "Tell me, Dana. What can I do take away the fear?"

       Dana closed her eyes, holding back the tears that threatened to fall. What could he do, she asked herself. Was the fear of letting him in so great that she would risk losing him? She needed him as he needed her. She was so strong in all that she did, in her job, in her life. But here with him, she could feel the strength leaving her. The strength that held back the emotions he brought forth. It was on days like this that she needed his strength, his love.

       "Hold me, Fox." She said softly.

       Fox did as he was asked. He encircled her with his arms, pulling her back against his chest. Her head rested softly against him. He felt her body relax as he laid his head against hers and waited for the fear to leave.