A/N - Remember that time myself and KIRTENS thought it would be a great idea to write a bunch of drabbles and then we did? Ok, well, we decided to do it again only nothing ever happened. But I found this one drabble which I had obviously written so here it is, for you Kirtens, and everybody else too. Enjoy...

"On the run with no one to love. That was me before you came along."

Paul stood from the bed with a heavy heart. He had to leave, had to get out of here before they found him and hurt her. He couldn't live with himself if they got to her because of him. It would eat him alive, even more than leaving her like this was eating him alive. Her chestnut hair was fanned out on the plush red pillows. The steady rise and fall of her chest indicated a deep slumber. She wouldn't hear when he snuck away. He only wished he was coming back. But he wasn't and she'd never see him again. She'd curse him, be heartbroken, maybe even hate him. It tore him up inside. The only thing that cut deeper was the thought of something happening to her. That's why he had to go. Inhaling deeply and drawing strength from the fresh air, he swallowed hard and slowly backed out of the room. A small note was placed on the dresser table before he disappeared into the darkness. She would forever be a part of him. He was doing this for her, to protect her, to protect himself.

Stephanie woke from her slumber, a lazy smile on her face. She reached across the bed, fully expecting to find the man who had stolen her heart lying next to her but all she found was emptiness. The sheets were cold and a sinking feeling grew in the pit of her stomach. Slowly sitting up, she shook out her hair and protectively wrapped an arm around herself. A note was sitting ominously on the dresser table. She stared at it for a few moments suddenly unable to breathe. Her fingers lifted the soft paper into her hand and she returned to the bed, sitting on the edge as she pulled it open and started to read.

Stephanie,

Words can never express how much I hate this but I have to go. I haven't been completely truthful with you. When I first arrived to this town I was running, running from people who want me dead. I've been running so long I almost forgot what it felt like to have a home, to have somebody care about me. When I met you that night all my fears and worries disappeared. You helped me; you gave me hope that I can survive this. And I can never thank you enough for that. I never stay in a town longer than a couple of weeks but something was making me stay here. I just didn't know what it was until you told me you loved me. Stephanie you'll never know how much that means to me. What's even scarier is that I love you too. On the run with no one to love. That was me before you came along. I love you so much I almost forgot my other life. You drew me in and made me feel safe. But I'm not safe and neither are you if I stay here. That's why I have to go. I hope you can understand and please believe me when I say that leaving you is the hardest thing I have ever had to do. Maybe one day, if I ever get these bastards off my trail I'll come back to you. Only if it's safe. Maybe you'll be with someone else. I'd be happy for you no matter what. All I want is for you to find somebody who loves and respects you, somebody who can keep you safe. I love you, I respect you but I can't keep you safe, not with this target on my head. And that's why I'll be gone by the time you read this letter. I hope that you keep it and that you remember me because I'll always remember you. You saved me, Stephanie. Just know that I'm doing this for you, for both of us. I'd rather never see you again than see you seriously hurt. These are the cards we've been dealt. I hope you understand.

Love always,

Paul x

By the time she finished reading tears were streaming down her face. She was angry, hurt and confused but more than anything else she was aching to be in his arms. How could he lie to her? How could he let this develop between them knowing that…..that people were trying to kill him? As the thought ran through her mind she let out a painful sob. Somebody wanted him dead. What in the world for? She felt like she didn't even know who he was. How could she love a man so much yet know absolutely nothing about him? All at the same time she never wanted to see him again and desperately wanted to see him right now. Her emotions were all over the place and she finally began to break down once the shock of the situation wore off. He was gone and he wasn't coming back. Was he even telling the truth or was this all some elaborate ruse to get in her pants? God she was so confused. And her heart was physically breaking in her chest. She loved and hated him all at once.

A light thumping noise gradually growing closer drew her from her thoughts. She looked up from the note, her eyes raw. They grew wide when she saw him standing there in front of her, his face solemn. They stared at each other endlessly until he took a step and she rushed into his arms.

Paul sighed, cursing himself as he pulled her close and kissed her temple. "I couldn't leave you. I can't…..I'm sorry…."

His words were swallowed into her mouth as she kissed him deeply. He came back. He came back for her. She didn't know how but as they broke apart and she looked into his eyes, she knew they'd get through this. They'd make it through.