Forty

Brielle hesitated, carefully watching River for a few moments further. As the silence between them continued, it was clear as day nothing would be resolved within the next few minutes.

With a heavy sigh, she tore away her gaze. “Coming.” She called back to Arlen, turning towards the door. Before she reached the handle, a firm grip on her wrist halted her in her tracks.

She span to face a frowning River, his eyes burning into hers. She wore a questionable expression, waiting for him to use his words. “What, River?”

He pursed his lips, thinking for a moment as a line drew between his brows. “I don’t want us to leave it like this.”

“Like what?” She retorted. “Nothing has changed, you’re not going to change. You’ll never see me as anything but a liability.” She bitterly chuckled to herself.

“I don’t see you as a liability.” He scolded her, offended by her words. “But you’re asking me to change my entire beliefs over night, it’s not as easy as that.”

Brielle rolled her eyes, blowing