Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Murray was no pushover and punched Owen back with a flash of anger.

"You think you can take me on? Who do you think you are?" He swung, hurling insults, "Back when she and I were together, you were nowhere to be seen..."

Owen intercepted Murray's punch with a calm, almost chilling composure, contrasting Murray's boiling rage. "And what about you? What's your role in all this? An ex who can't let go, or worse?" Each word from Owen was like a knife, targeting Murray's weak spots.

"Looking for trouble, are you?" Murray snarled, trying to free his fist.

But Owen kept a firm grip, unshaken.

"Enough!" Roseanne had finally regained her composure. Standing up from the couch, she clutched the jacket Owen had lent her, not sparing Murray a glance.

She turned to Owen and looked down. "Mr. Reynolds, I'm sorry you had to witness this mess."

Owen frowned, asking,"Should I call the police?"

Roseanne hesitated, "Let's just go."

wanting to get

my books. I'm afraid I don't have

Owen scooped up a canvas bag and supported Roseanne as they

watching their departure, fury overtaking him as he kicked a decorative

Roseanne watched the mansion

first moved in, she was full of hope, decorating the mansion and tending the

At last, the mansion and everything in it were behind her, no longer a part

through her hair, leaning back in the seat with

Owen remained silent, occasionally

Roseanne through the rearview mirror. Seeing that she had fallen asleep, he pulled over near

sleep was fitful, but exhaustion overpowered her, needing even a

him with mixed emotions. "Thanks for helping me again." Owen

all the times he'd helped,

day, and the hunger hit her suddenly as the adrenaline faded. Trying to hide it was futile. Owen heard

suggested, "You probably haven't been to the Kingswell University diner in a while, huh? Feel like