‘I’m leaving this afternoon,’ he said hoarsely, looking into chocolate brown eyes. He quickly stared down at the puppy, the pain in Toni’s eye... was too much for him. ‘I’ve got everything ready. I’m not sure where I’ll go, but there isn’t anything here for me.’ ME! Her heart cried out. What about me?! ‘Look at me, dammit,’ she shouted. He glanced at her and said simply, ‘I’m sorry.’ Then he turned and walked to his car, driving off into the sunset. Toni collapsed on the curb, hugging the puppy. In her present, I felt like a girl who saw her mom topless for the first time and reached for my glass of wine. Bea didn't waste a second, like someone who has planed this in advance. She took my drink out of hand, emptied it in one gulp, said 'get up,' reached for the hem of my blouse and tore it open. Buttons fell on the floor. Before I could say a word, I felt her warm and soft tongue in my mouth. Bea broke the kiss, sucked my nipples briefly, embraced me, and kissed me hard. 'I would have. I felt whole, renewed, alive for the first time in so long. ‘Yes, I’ll have you.’ I said, my face buried in my hands. I sobbed loudly, and suddenly heard the door swing open. Alex stood there glaring at me. ‘Why did ye order a bath for her, Cien?’ Cien turned to his cousin and shrugged. ‘I thought a clean witch was better burning than a dirty one.’ Alex eyed him carefully. ‘Ye believe me know do ye?’ ‘Aye. He magic’s wore off when she was away from me for so long.’ Cien looked at me, his eyes. "Yeah, it's me," I said while dropping my gaze to the floor. "Exceptmy name is Jasmine now, like Cami said."It was quiet for a moment or two. Nobody seemed to be able to voiceanything. Dad came over and wrapped me in another hug."I'm just glad you're safe," he said, generating a smile from me. Ilooked into his eyes as we separated, and I knew that he still lovedme just as much now as he had before I had left over a week ago. Hereturned my smile while stepping back again."You let them do this to.