Chapter 21 - Lips crushed hers in a bruising kiss.

“Do you want me to stay with you?” Ivan proposed… once again.

“No, no. You can go.” Liz swallowed. “I’m just…” she pointed in the direction of the café. “ – going that way. I haven’t had anything yet so...” She gave him another weak smile.

“All right… Try and eat something – it might help.”

She nodded. “Yes. I will. Yes…”

Why was he looking at her like that? As if he cared? As if he was really worried about her? There was no need for that. She wasn’t any of his business. At least she hoped not. If he was back from France to be with her, then –

No, don’t even consider it. She chided herself.

She glanced down at his fingers still wrapped around her arm before looking back at him.

His eyes trailed down as well, looking down at his own hand before he’d met her eyes again.

Nothing was left to be said. He simply but reluctantly released her arm.

She saw the regret in his eyes, the remorse that consumed him, and the pain of knowing that his decision of having left her when she needed