NINE

That's what she told herself. She needed one second to remember how it felt like to be with him. How it felt to feel anything other than anger toward him. Max pulled her into his body as she braced her hands on his shoulders, but before their lips could touch, someone said, "Would you please move a little? You're blocking the way. " She looked up to find a young man in his early twenties grinning.

Max stepped back, taking her with him just as the guy added, "There is a secluded place in the back. I'm sure no one will bother you there. I can make sure no one..."

"Get lost kid," Max snapped. Shrugging, the guy left. It took a few minutes for Emilia to register what the guy had suggested, then another to realize what she had almost done. Dropping her hands to her side, she moved back. Putting space between them "Em... "

"No, I… I'm going to check on Zander and maybe get a new bed. One night in the one you spent with your mistress all these years was enough," she reminded him and herself.