Page 23 (1/2)

Anger flared for a second, that so, let alone Aenerally didn’t ever get out of check

“Sounds like the guy had self-esteeht? You’d think he’d specialized in psychology rather than just taking the requisite classes for his ree “And was a first-class idiot,” he added

His voice had softened, and when he heard that, he kneasn’t just sitting there for peace of mind

The long look she gave hi around her eyes, drew him

“I’m pretty sure I’ve blamed myself in about every way possible,” she slowly adh, I hate that I didn’t know I eventually found out, thinking, when I caught him in the act, that it was the first ti on for weeks While he’d been sleeping with me”

Leaning on the arht iron chair, he put his face closer to hers, letting the darkness soften the intimacy of the movement “He was a fool, Amelia,” he told her, his voice low, but deadly serious “A decent em he had in you, in your devotion, and he’d cherish that, protect it,” he told her

He had no idea why she’d been exposed to the dregs of the ender, but needed her to know that not all men had a horrible side That many would be worthy of her trust

She didn’t say anything Just sat there, looking at hihts bobbing on the ocean in the far distance

An idea occurred to hiround he’d built with her Glancing at her, he considered the wisdoood note

Unless

“Would it be awful if you and I were to rees things That child is all yours I have no say No rights Period But what if I was around, just a background figure who could look out for her health and happiness? What if she knows me just as a casual friend of yours? Someone you all see once in a while Someone who, if the need ever arose, would be there to help in a time of crisis, someone he or she knows and can trust?”

His feet slid into place to stand as he voiced the question in its various forms He was braced to stand To follow the instructions he was sure would follow: to leave her home and not contact her any time soon

When she said nothing, he remained braced

“Do you have a bike?” he asked, many silent seconds later, just to fill the silence

“What?” She turned to look at hiathering