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."

wishes and not wanting to get further entangled in someone else's drama, Owen

floor. "These are my books. I'm afraid I don't have the strength now.

Owen scooped up a canvas bag

departure, fury overtaking him as he kicked a decorative plant

Roseanne watched the mansion

first moved in, she was full of

everything in it were behind her, no longer a part of her

lowered the car window, letting the wind whip through her hair, leaning

Owen remained silent, occasionally

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

overpowered her, needing even a moment's

and looked at him with mixed emotions. "Thanks

more than that, for all the times he'd helped, for respecting her privacy

covered her stomach. She hadn't eaten all day, and the

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