Clarisse was exasperated by Jonathan's relentless attitude,
"Jonathan, stop it already! Can we just wait until Josie's wounds heal before discussing this?"
Jonathan stepped closer, wrapped her in his arms, and gazed down at her calm face, softening his tone,
"Clarisse, I can tell you still have feelings for me. Why won't you come closer? Is it because I make you feel so insecure?"
What would it take for her to open her heart and accept him? Did he really have to use Louis's suggestion? If possible, he wished she would accept him before it came to that, so he wouldn't have to resort to such measures.
Clarisse, feeling flustered, turned her eyes away. What he said was true—he did make her feel insecure. Even if he claimed to have fallen in love with her, she still felt uncertain. She feared that once she was with him, he might again leave her in a cold, desolate place.
