impossible reasons

Whatever it was that Amalia was offering in her voice, her words, her eyes, Loren wasn’t willing or able to accept it. His own eyes hardened, and his tone dropped in both pitch and temperature. Of course, of everything he’d told her—he really thought the childhood of abuse and trauma might’ve gotten more of a reaction—she focused on the kiss. Typical. ”Yes. Remi asked me to kiss him. And I really don’t need you of all people to explain to me that ‘it’s a lot.’” He couldn’t help the mocking tone that crept into his voice on the last three words. But the truth was, the baker couldn’t possibly fathom just how much it really was. ”Apparently, he needed to prove to us both that I’d never do anything to hurt him or his marriage.” The Launceleyn smiled one of those grim little smiles of his, his pace never faltering. ”Of course, this was after I told him that I didn’t want to do anything to jeopardize what he and Ronin had, and that I would stay away from him because I just brought him pain. Apparently he wasn’t as concerned with my feelings, but that’s alright. I’ve realized that he was the selfish one, for wanting me in his life, when all I wanted to do was move on. Finally did that, by the way.” If this wasn’t moving on in spectacular fashion, he didn’t know what was. He tilted his head at Amalia’s admission that she didn’t like him very much right now. ”That’s fair. I don’t like you very much right now either.” Of course, that wasn’t anything personal: the Launceleyn hated everyone at the moment, and the baker was pretty low on the list at that. ”At least you’re honest with me. Though I’ll tell you, I think the whole you’re a good person so long as you try to do good think is another lie. I don’t think trying is enough. Not unless you succeed every once in a while” Which he never had. His gaze did its best to pierce her and pin her to her bench, since he wasn't done speaking to her. ”I’m curious. What was it that you hated about me? Was it that I put your precious books at risk? Was it my last name? Was it simply that I was an eager Outlander and you Naturals just hate that someone else might have a good idea for a change?” He smirked. ”Or was it that you saw another lost soul and couldn’t bear that I reminded you of your own inner darkness.” Although he wasn’t sure, he was almost certain it was the last comment that was the hardest for her. LOREN Not quite an open book