Neither Rose or Amanda interrupted once during the whole thing. Both of them looked absolutely shocked by the time Albus concluded. “But, but why...was Balladanis there?” Rose asked. “My dad's going to tell you,” Albus said, “He's already told me. He'll probably tell the rest of you today.” “Merlin, Albus,” Rose sighed, “How much trouble can you get into?” “It's not my fault,” Albus shrugged, “Now can you tell us about the match?” Rose exchanged glances with Amanda, who. “Mum says I shouldn’t have more than two cups a day and I’ve already had at least four.”“Well I’m going to have one. Would you like something else?” I reeled off a list of options and Mel declined them all until I offered chocolate. I nuked a mug of milk in the microwave, then watched as Mel helped herself to drinking chocolate powder and sugar in case I needed to replicate her choices.I found myself thinking about Mel as I sat there, studying her while I sipped my coffee. Her deprived. "I smile, kiss her gently on the lips, "Thank you." I whisper and then goover to put the bucket next to the bed.Noticing the full length mirror, Clarisse walks over."I need to get one of these." She says as I walk up behind her, pressingmyself against her back.Watching our candle lit reflection, I reach under her arms and fondleher breasts. Clarisse leans her head back as I lift her shirt above herbreasts. My tongue traces along the curves of her ear as my fingerspinch her nipples.Whispering in. She laughed to herself during the short drive to work when she accepted the fact that the lack of a future—or any semblance of longevity—was exactly why it had worked for them. Well, certainly it had worked perfectly for her and she’d never heard him complain. *** Mike, for his part was missing Jillian before he got to the Interstate. Thinking back over the past few months, he would miss her…she had made him laugh…she was a beautiful girl…trophy date…amazing fuck…excited him as no other woman.