No moving or settling from the house as the morning heated up. Nothing in the world except herself, this boy and the room they both occupied. Time cou...d have ended at the walls. ‘Do you want me to go?’ the boy asked and he moved to do so. ‘No, wait… you can stay.’ === The table had a wobble to it, something that Eldrian had never noticed before. It didn’t wobble when he set the tray down. Only when the weight of his arms resting there fought with the weight of hers. He tried not to make it. That's another reason I don't go home. I'm not sure who else thought that money belonged to them. Do you mind me being idle?"I gestured with his essay. "Hardly idle. No, I may even join you. I might retire and we could enjoy ourselves."His crooked smile made me catch my breath. He came to stand behind me, digging his strong fingers into the tense muscles of my neck. It was his invitation to me. If I wanted no more, he would massage me until I was in a trance of relaxation, then carry me to bed. "Hello?" Candy? This is Ginger Armstrong. I just heard about your mom. Is she okay? Are you?" You scared me to death! I thought it was the hospital calling. We're both fine, but Mom's boyfriend is in intensive care." You wouldn't believe how hard it was to get his number. I had to track down Damien Manchester to get it. I should've known this was too dangerous. I want you to stop."I laughed without humor. "It's a little late to back out now. I'm committed. Look, my brother is here now and he'll. She was loved by her citizens, adored by men and idolized by women. Single lords, princes and kings fought for her hand in marriage and even ladies, princesses and queens dreamed of being her other half. Nonetheless, she had never married nor sought someone to share her bed with. This gave her the nickname "the virgin queen". There were 8 persons that she would let close to her though, 8 women, part her personal guards, part the strongest defenders of the realm. They were known as "the.