Darius scowled and shook his head. "I had no friends in school. I was a shy child and was bullied mercilessly. While I was alright at reading, I didn't excel in school. It made everything worse. "

Damn, he wanted something to drink. He covered his face. "That..friend? I helped her out a little, tried to save her from some drunks at my father's party. She was married to my brother who died and had his children. She was my model because she is beautiful." He stared hard at nothing. "She has been kind to me. Kinder than just about anyone else in my life. She tried to tell me she loved me, but when she hugged me... it felt so strange and foreign I wanted to scream and flee. I don't think that should happen between friends, do you?"