Page 53 of Royal Academy

Nick shrugged, “Only that there are bad feelings between the two of them. In time, it might fade or it may not. Melinda is known for carrying a grudge. I'm not saying anything bad about her so stop balling up your fists. I already carry a reminder of the last time you felt there was an injustice.”

He pointed to his eye which had faded to a nice yellowish green.

Luke’s lips twitched, “You did deserve it you know.”

Nick laughed, “I am positive you think so. And perhaps I did. But I love her. And if you feel anything as strong for Melinda as I do for Lia, I have to say, I understand.”

"Am a fool as Benedict said? Do you think she is just using me?"

Nick was silent for a long moment, "Honestly?"

Luke gritted his teeth, "Yes."

"I don't know," Nick said softly. "I haven't spent enough time with the two of you together to know how she feels about you. I only know that she threatened Benedict that he would be sorry. It doesn't surprise me that he sees this as an act of aggression on her part to ruin your friendship. But that could be completely beside the point. I just don't know."

"She loves me, Nick. Just wait and see."

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