His gaze rose to meet her own and it took every ounce of will power within her not to shy away, to stare into his eyes and face the profound sorrow and loss that were evident across his features. He looked somehow different from the last time she had seen him, his skin pale with heavy bags under his eyes, as if he hadn’t slept in quite some time, and judging by the amount of stubble along his jaw, he hadn’t cared to shave either.