"I can't believe this! So you're trying to excuse yourself by pretending that you had no choice?" Sam is gravely amused.

"No, I'm not making any excuses! The last thing I wanted in my life was hurting you, and you know that perfectly well."

"No, I don't think I know." She shakes her head in denial. "And you've succeeded to hurt me, just so you know, Kira. And I'll never forgive you for this."

"Sam," I breathe, "I'll understand if you decide to do so. But truly, I'm really sorry."

"With that face of yours, everyone thinks you're a saint," Sam snarls with a fine deliberate to hurt me, which...