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“It’s because of love, Nic You love Sylas, even though you’ve been angry And I know he loves you, too”

“So? That doesn’t change a thing, Ashley”

“You love me I love you I love Sylas That’s what is important Love The question isn’t how does a man share the woman of his dreams with another, but how h to share me with Sylas?”

Nic stared at her for what seemed like forever Finally, he stood and said, “Ashley, I don’t understand

any of this”

The tears streamed down her cheeks She took his hand and looked up at him “Then let me help you understand Please, Nic”

He shook his head and began dressing “What you’re asking doesn’t h for you I don’t understand this town I don’t understand how Phoebe could be married to three men And I definitely don’t understand why you want ht in the eyes “I should go”

“Please, Nic We can work this out”

“I could never share you” He walked to her front door and opened it “Good-bye, sweetheart”

He left, closing the door behind him

Sobbing, she felt her heart breaking apart again

Chapter Nine

Nic stared at his reflection in the mirror His eyes were red No wonder He hadn’t slept since leaving Ashley

“Fuck” He pounded his fists on the sink’s counter Once again, he was getting the short end of the stick Typical That’s how his entire life seeh But it wasn’t How could it be? What did he have to offer her?

His father’s liquor-soaked breath spoke to him from the past “You’re a worthless piece of shit, boy No one wants you Not me Not your whore mom No one”