Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed novel Chapter 64

On the way, after a brief exchange, Owen and Roseanne fell into their worlds of silence.

Owen had picked his usual ride for the day. Perhaps sensing Roseanne's somber mood, he kept the car at a considerate pace, neither too fast nor slow.

Upon reaching the suburbs, the security guard at the gated community greeted Roseanne with a nod. "Ms. Cole, I haven't seen you for a while. Have you been away on business?"

Roseanne gave a weak smile but said nothing. Owen glanced at her and decided not to ask any more questions.

They arrived at the villa in silence, and Owen parked the car.

"I'll just be a minute. Just need to grab some books," Roseanne said, stepping out of the car.

Owen offered to help. "Do you need a hand?"

She shook her head. "No, it's just a few books. I can manage."

With that, she headed toward the villa.

The doorbell chimed, and Sadie's voice floated through, "Coming!"

Upon seeing Roseanne, Sadie exclaimed with surprise, "Ms. Cole!"

You're finally back!

Roseanne smiled. "Just here to pick up some stuff..."

"Are you..."

Before she could finish, looking like he'd just rolled out of bed in his pajamas, Murray stood at the top of the stairs, arms crossed, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Here alone? You sure you can handle it?" He held a coffee mug, looking down with a cold gaze.

"Wasn't the deal to take my stuff and go? Whether I can carry them is my problem," Roseanne retorted, heading straight for the study.

Instinctively, Roseanne stepped back, tripping over a couch and falling into a seated position.

Murray towered over her, noticing her flushed cheeks from the effort and the nervous bite of her lip, deepening its hue.

Her quick breathing made her chest rise and fall, taking him back to countless passionate nights they'd spent together.

His emotions overwhelmed him, and without thinking, he leaned down to capture her lips.

"Anne..."

Roseanne recoiled in shock and anger, pushing against the imposing frame above her. "Murray! What are you doing? We're over!"

Ignoring her protests, Murray tried to reach for her clothes.

Roseanne clung to the hem of her shirt, pleading, "Stop, please..."