Chapter 31: Stop This Madness

"I'm sorry, but I can't," Nessa broke the news to Damon and watched in horror at the dejected look that crossed his features. 

The sight made her heart sink and she quickly tried to explain, "What if I hurt you or worse, even kill you in the name of knocking you out…." she took a deep breath, "I can't do that, Damon," 

Nessa was relieved after saying that because that was the gospel truth. No matter what, she couldn't hurt him. 

"No, no, no…" Damon broke down in tears, " I'm in so much pain Red - much pain that you won't be able to understand…." he took a long deep breath as if trying to resist the pain, "The pain makes me violent and if you don't stop me, I'll hurt you and myself…" He held her gaze, "That's how horrible it is," 

Their gaze locked and Nessa choked from the raw intensity of the emotions she saw in there. Damon was telling her the truth and that was what scared her. Wasn't there another way to stop the pain? Her eyes asked the question.