Claire's POV part 2

When I woke, I felt a hand on my waist. I lay in bliss. For the first time in weeks, I felt protected and loved. A small smile played on my lips and I let out a satisfactory sigh.

"good morning" he murmured in my ear, his breath tickled my cheek and I felt myself blush. I turned towards the speaker. To my surprise, it was Myrnin. Funny, charming, slightly crazy Myrnin. My jaw dropped in shock, yet for some reason, I did not move away. I had no reason to. I just stared into his soft brown eyes. He beamed at me. I found myself returning his enthusiasm and I said,

"what are we doing today?"

He frowned and looked confused.

"I think we should start with why you were so upset yesterday."

I felt myself shift uncomfortably. I explained the harsh breakup and how it made no sense. Tears stung my eyes, but I refused to get upset again. He was in the wrong, he dragged out the relationship all while knowing it would not work out because he loved someone else. He used me. I felt Myrnin look at me in disbelief. He struggled for his words and this only made me more uncomfortable. I stared at the floor and waited for him to gather himself.

"honestly, its fine. I am getting over him."

"I'm so sorry, he shouldn't have hurt you like that…. you deserve better." He said while pulling me into a hug. I did not respond however I leaned into him and let myself relax in his strong embrace. I inhaled. He smelled like cherries and lavender. He knew that I loved cherries. I wanted him to hold me forever. I felt so right with him. Suddenly he pulled away, just enough to look at me. I held his gaze. He slowly leaned in close. We were nearly nose to nose. And suddenly, he kissed me with a fiery passion. I didn't know how to react. I didn't know if I wanted to react. I knew he loved me, but I didn't know it was like this. I just thought that he loved me like a sister. And yet, here we were, glued together, stuck in this moment of burning passion. My breath caught in my throat and he pressed himself against me. That wasn't enough for him. He pulled me onto his lap and ran his hands down my back. The coolness of his hands was replaced with surges of heat. It felt so right and any feelings I had for Shane were gone. All that I could feel was my excitement and love for Myrnin. And yet, something didn't feel right.

"n-no, its…. This is not – right. You are – you're my boss. I... we can't." I gasped. I felt his growl and I responded with a shiver. I was not scared, far from. I couldn't stop him. I didn't want to stop him. But I couldn't help thinking it would end badly.

We sank deeper into the sofa and continued to kiss and embrace. We were both lost in the moment. Suddenly, there was a loud crash. I spun around as fast as I could. And there stood Michael. He was bright red. I would have said he was more embarrassed than I was, however, that wasn't true. Michael cleared his throat.

"So…. I'm sorry for interrupting. I came to see how you were handling the breakup. I'm guessing you are handling it well…. I should go."

"Michael, is he okay?" I asked.

"Actually, I have some news…. There will still be a wedding. He proposed to Jesse after you left last night. I know I shouldn't be telling you this, but he doesn't want you to know. He thinks you might try and ruin his happiness." He replied just loud enough for me to hear. "but I know you are not like that. I'm sorry Claire. I really thought he loved you… but that's not all. He got drunk last night. He said some horrible things." He stopped suddenly. I stared at him, waiting for him to continue.

"he never loved you. He saw that you liked him and didn't want to hurt you. That's why he dated you. He proposed to keep up a front. Then he met Jesse and they immediately started seeing each other. It got worse the more he drank. I just thought you should know. Eve got pretty pissed, she hit him and called him a dick for messing with you like that."

I felt waves of embarrassment. I couldn't listen anymore. I sank onto the sofa and wished I didn't exist. Michael stopped talking. He apologised one last time and left. Myrnin sat next to me and placed his arm protectively around my waist. We sat in silence. I had no idea what to do. I felt so lost, broken and worse, humiliated. I hated myself for thinking I could ever be loved by him. I suddenly stood up and ran. I ran from my problems and my feelings. It was the only thing I could do. Myrnin didn't stop me. I reached a tree and suddenly couldn't support myself anymore. I sagged against it and, again, broke down. I felt hollow. Only this time, Myrnin wasn't there to comfort me. No one was.

Amelie's perspective

There was a soft knock on my office door. Michael entered and stood awkwardly.

"there has been a problem. Shane and Claire aren't getting married. He's been cheating on her. she stormed out last night and went to Myrnin's." I looked up sharply. I knew how Myrnin felt about her and grew worried. She shouldn't be there in such a vulnerable state.

"is that all?" I asked coolly. I would not let him see that I was worried.

"they were kissing. We all know how he feels. I don't like that she is there. Can you please find somewhere for her?" I could tell he was terrified for her safety.

"what Ms danver does in her own time is none of my concern. I will however check in on them later. Now please go." I tried to make it sound polite, but I couldn't keep out the frostiness in my tone. He turned around and left. I took an unnecessary breath. "Bissie, have my car ready." I needed to get Claire out of there. I would not have her at risk. She meant to much to Morganville. And to me.

Myrnin's perspective

It was all going so well. We were kissing. And then that child interrupted. I hated him. And now she was gone. I don't know where she is. Many scenarios run through my head, which only adds to my nerves. I was near my breaking point. I wanted to run out into the sun. I needed to find her. She was all I had left. My mind was made up. I was going to find her, I needed to protect her. I quickly gathered all my protective gear. I would only need it for an hour or so, but I was sure I would find her by then. When I was sure I had everything, I rushed to the exit. However, I was greeted by my old friend. Amelie. I went to move around but her arm flashed out. She pulled me to a stop.

"we need to talk."