was a look of genuine tenderness, a look he had nev

said, his voice a low caress. "

d it down, replacing it with cold fury. She walked towa

sarcasm. "If it isn't the guest of honor. You cl

ight of them together, looking so much like the

ng to ice. He looked at Francesca with

ling with tears. "It's alright, Archer

nnocence. "We used to be friends, Frankie. Reme

low. "I remember you always wanting what was mine. You

iberate jab. It was a name only Amelia use

iumph in Amelia's eyes before

a said to him, gently touching the fabr

ign. It was one of her own, a sketch from her priva

esign sketches back in college, claiming th

r voice shaking with rage. "That design is m

into a heap on the floor as if Francesca had s

bing the hem of his pants. "Arc

rected at Francesca. He helped Amelia up

so profound it felt like a physical blow. "You're unbelie

to a million pieces. He didn't beli

ox. It was a peace offering, a desperate, last-ditch effort. Insi

ftly. "I'm sorry for

r. He opened it, glanced at the cuffl

he box to her. "A little s

amily of the woman he truly loved. It was a rejection

her with a smile. "I'll get you that design st

g over her. She turned to leave, wanting only t

ure at the center of the room had become unstable and was toppling

in front of Amelia, shielding her with his body

ven look at

esca hard in the side. The force of the impact knocked he

ing a terrified Amelia, whispering words of comfort into her hair, completely obl

first thing she saw was Amelia, sitting by her b

ed, her voice thick with fake concern.

just sta

't have gotten hurt," Amelia con

"It is your fault. You're a curse. Everything bad

wide with shock. "Franki

How can you be so cruel? She's been sitting by your bedside al

said, looking past him, out the wind

ve always been like this. S

look at him. "You once swore you wou