Shane’s car pulled up the drive of Amelia’s apartment, and looked over at her, as she was picking at the fabric on the door’s interior. She had been quiet the whole way home, and Shane didn’t press her further on what took place. It was clear, she was already beating herself up about it, and the war within herself, on how to deal with what she now knew. Shane turned off the motor, and the pair sat there, as Amelia didn’t seem to be ready to jump out of the car.
“Amelia, you know it helps to talk about things.” He was using his charm trying to make her feel at ease, but Amelia wasn’t buying it. “Somethings shouldn’t be talked about.” Amelia replied, getting her purse, and fiddling with the catch. Maybe she wanted to, but part of her just wanted to clam up. “I wish this night never happened. I dunno. I’m not going to be able to look at either of them the same way.” Shane leaned over and toyed with one of Amelia’s plaits.“Damned if you do, damned if you don’t, huh?” Amelia blinked twice and then let out a sigh. “Galtem knew better…William…he deserves better.” She shook her head slowly. “If I loved a man…I couldn’t do that. I couldn’t be in the same club, and off making out with an old flame. Damn, I know how it feels to find out the man you love…is in love with someone else.” She bit her lip, trying to hold back the tears. “I haven’t been able to love anyone else since.”
Shane became concerned. “Is that because you won’t let anyone else close to you? For fear of being hurt again?” The tears started to fall as he spoke, and he had nailed it. This was about Lysander. Galtem’s own brother. The man she gave everything for, only to lose him to her niece. “I’ve forgotten what love even is.” Amelia sobbed. Breaking down, she leaned forward, the sobs wracking her body. Shane placed his arm around her and drew her close. “And now you have lost friends…people you let close, cause they have betrayed the one they loved. Oh Amelia.”
Amelia pulled away, and wiped her eyes, smudging her mascara. “Thank you…for the ride home…and talk. I’ll be okay.”she lied, opening the car door, and closing it again. Shane watched her go inside, but in the back of his mind, he knew he was going to have to keep an eye on her.
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