~ ZEV ~
Kyelle didn't make a sound as she turned away to gather up her clothes and dress, but he could smell the tears on her cheeks and his heart stabbed over and over again.
He'd never led her on. He'd never given her any reason to believe he returned her regard! And he couldn't, now of all times, entertain this. She had to know that! Growling in frustration that nothing in this damned world was turning out the way he wanted, he waited until she'd dressed, then turned to face her.
"I never want to hurt you, Kyelle. You are dear to me. Just… not in that way."
She nodded. "I knew," she said, wiping her eyes. "But I had to… you have to understand, Zev, if there was any chance, I had to know. I couldn't… I couldn't move on until I was certain."
