page65 (1/2)

"Yes"

"That's good They would fret if they thought I was still alive"

"Only because they'd fear you ht cause them trouble"

"Maryanne…" Claire warned, "that is not fair"

With an arrogant sar pie"

"Life is e make it"

"Says the woly hair and chapped lips You clearly have not been reat"

Irritated that Maryanne thought to scold, Claire leaned forward and snarled, "And what the fuck is your point?"

"That after one good look at you, I can see you've been playing the victi to live" There was no more frisky tone in Maryanne's voice, no more playful looks "Yeah your situation sucks; yeah it's not what you wanted But it is what it is And I know you… I can just see you stagnating instead of adapting, all stubborn to the point it hurts He , but it's safe here He feeds you You have it better than almost everyone else under the Dome"

Looking to be near the brink of ripping off her guest's head, Claire hissed, "Did he tell you to say that?"

"Do I look like I'd do anything he tells me to?"

"Of course you do" Narrowing her eyes, Clairein the corner now"

For a second Maryanne looked stricken, and then grew coldly composed "You don't knohat it was like down there, Claire Even you would have done anything to get out And no, he didn't tell me to say that It's my own opinion"

"Well, froment isn't always the best"

"That look in your eye," the blonde settled back, just as unhappy as her friend, "I knohat it ht And yeah, I've fucked up I am what I am But you still love me"

"I do, you cunt"

Sudden heavy warmth settled on Claire's nape She tensed, unaware Shepherd had silently co her spine, he spoke, "That will be enough for today"