‘If you’re sure …,’ Lucy said. ‘I’m sorry. Normally I’m not so rude,’ Clay apologized. ‘Being hospitalized, in a foreign country as ...ou are, it’s understandable. I used to travel a lot with my husband,’ she added. Clay felt his heart stop at the mention of a husband. That she would be married never crossed his mind. He was so sure his premonition was right about her. ‘What does your husband do?’ Clay asked out of politeness. ‘He was in real estate,’ she replied. ‘Buddy died last year.’ ‘I’m so. His back blocked the scene. I heard Erica's protests; she even yelled loudly. Enthwistle jumped back — she must have bitten him. He cursed and shook his hand. Then he slapped her face hard, calling her a bitch.I jerked at my ties. It was utterly useless, of course — and quite pathetic. "Stop that!" I yelled. He just cackled his god-awful snicker.When he moved away, I saw the dark blotch of a gag at the center of Erica's face. Straps ran to each side, keeping it tightly in place. Only her. I pull you against my chest. My nose is filled with the wonderful scents of life. There is the forest. The sea. You. Your sweet musk and a mysterious fruity aroma from your hair, Plumaria perhaps … I am lost in you. Your presence is intoxicating. My hands move from your shoulders. They roam without direction and purpose. They caress your thinly veiled breasts. The soft cotton of your dress is merely a covering for unwelcome eyes. They roam your tummy feeling your navel. They roam under your. .." Callie was saying shock in her voice.Oni was waving her hand in a dismissive manner, "It matters not, we need the great student back. Since the both of you refuse to talk, to end this emotional conflict, you should end her therefore the conflict."Greeson's mouth dropped open as he could only stare at Oni, then at an even more astonished Callie."Well?" Oni breathed out, "what are you waiting for? We need the Gakusei, not a useless Orokamono (idiot)."The look of shock, then growing anger on.