A stab wound would have been less painful than his quiet confession. Fallon yearned to reach for him, to wrap her arms around him and provide comfort however she was able, but knew any such move would be construed as further toying. Not only that, but in making her choice she lost any right to even make such an offer. Lachlan deserved better than that — better than her.

"I truly didn't think you thought of me as more than a friend," she replied quietly. Taking the last of the four coins, Fallon gently dropped them upon the coffee table. She did as she came to do and now she ought to leave him. "I never — all I can say is I'm sorry, Lachlan. And I understand why you hate me so." She turned about the room trying to locate he front door, as using his floo felt wrong. "I'll - uhm. I'll let myself out."