Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

As Murray approached, he noticed Roseanne had her beautiful, wavy hair straightened.

She was not wearing makeup or high heels, just a plain white T-shirt. Utterly simple. But those eyes seemed brighter than before, showing no signs of heartbreak or gloom.

If it was an act, Murray had to admit she was doing a damn good job. It was so good that it was getting under his skin.

Roseanne frowned, knowing him too well. That look was a sure sign of brewing anger.

"Huh," Murray scoffed, "Really, after all these years with me, you should've picked up some standards. Don't just go for anyone-it makes me, your ex, look bad. Where's my dignity in that?" "Dignity?" Roseanne couldn't help but laugh, though her laughter carried a tinge of melancholy.

It was too bad that Murray didn't catch it. His mind was all about the images of Roseanne smiling at other men, making his blood boil. He chalked it up to a male's "territorial instinct." Roseanne was his territory once, and even if he didn't want her anymore, he wouldn't allow those lowlifes to have her.

"I've got things to do. I'm leaving." Roseanne didn't want to hear him anymore.

your only refuge now, though you've got the nerve to have taken your checkbook and ID with you this time. Playing hard to

was a sting in Roseanne's heart. She was used to Murray's temper and

to calm her emotions, then forced a smile. "First off, Mr. Reynolds and I are just friends, nothing like what you think. And we've broken up. What you think is your business." Just then, her taxi arrived.

hadn't threatened him like that. But then, she dared to bring another man before him, huh? Suddenly, a pair of soft hands clung to his arm, and Hannah leaned in close, her perfume overwhelming. "Murray, why the rush?

Murray didn't push her away but wrapped his arm around her waist. "What? You

another man, couldn't he find another

intimate pair in the rearview mirror

wasn't his only

was all

away, Murray's expression

harshly pushed away as Murray