Page 88 of Vicious Seduction

“How do you feel about staying the night at our place? I’m not ready to give you up yet.” I hadn’t thought to discuss it on the way over, so I hoped Oran didn’t mind. There was no way Amelie was leaving my sight. Not yet. I would have checked us into a hotel if need be.

“Byourplace, you mean…?”

“Oran’s apartment. I sort of … moved in with him while you were gone.” God, it sounded crazy when I said it out loud.

“Oh…” Her brows arched high.

“I know, it’s a lot to take in. We have plenty of time to sort through it all, okay?”

She nodded. “Let me grab a few things, and I’ll be good to go.”

We spent the rest of the day together. She called in and quit the job she’d been working at a greasy diner. I snuggled her close to me on the couch and kept a steady stream of chick flicks on the TV, though we spent most of the time talking. Oran gave us space, popping in to bring us food on occasion.

I would have preferred to wait for explanations and just enjoy each other, but Amelie insisted on knowing everything that had happened. I held her as she cried over Eliza and Charles. She’d grieved for them when she first ran away and learned the truth, but regaining her memories was like hearing it all again for the first time. My heart broke for her.

We covered topics large and small, including my relationship with Oran.

“Wait, isn’t he married?” She bit her lip and glanced at my ring.

“Not long after you disappeared, he filed for divorce. It’s … complicated.”

“So did you meet while you were searching for me?”

My eyes trail away. “Sort of. That’s also complicated.”

She stared at me expectantly, so I launched into the tale. I had my Mellie back, and I wouldn’t keep anything from her ever again.

“Heblackmailedyou into anengagement?” she cried.

I bit back a laugh. She had a right to be outraged, but I still found it funny.

“Romantic, right?” I teased.

“OMG. You’re crazy.”

I shrugged. “You’re not wrong.”

My lopsided smile drew out one of her own. “I missed you so much.”

“I’m so glad to be back.” She dropped her gaze. “Being alone was scary.”

“I bet.”

“It was like my entire life was just out of my reach. The only thing I knew was that I loved to dance. I danced every day, hoping it might help me remember. It was the only thing that brought me any comfort. In that regard, I was still me, whether I knew it or not.”

“I’m super proud of you, Mellie. It’s been one hell of a year, and you survived.”

“Yeah, I suppose it has been.”

“Well, things are going to be different going forward. I’ve learned how important it is to have my priorities in order, andyouare my top priority. You aren’t alone anymore. Never again.”

Her eyes grew glassy, and her chin quivered. “Love you, Lina.”

“Love you most, Mellie.”

CHAPTER 46

ORAN

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