She did not crumble, did not weep. But she did not recoil from his reaction either. Some part of her always expected Vasjol to not understand her true meaning. Gently her fingers ran down his cheek, her eyes following their trail, "My dear, Vasjol, how brave you must be…to not be fearful of love." She spoke softly.
Finally, her eyes met his, “To allow yourself to love freely for so long, I’ve forgotten how to do so.” She explained, her fingers stopping at his chin. “If I am not enough for you, you may go. Find someone not so old and broken or perhaps catch up to the company.” She told him, note spiteful but with sadness. She truly did not want him to go, not from her home or bed.
She leaned forward again, pressing her lips firmly to his for a lingering moment before pulling back to move off his lap.
❝ I have been rejected and unloved for the entirety of my life. Why would I fear something that I never had? ❞ He shook his head, finding himself angry that she would even imply that he might leave.
❝ Seven fucking hells--how many times must I tell you that I am not leaving? ❞ Even the kiss did not calm him. He wanted to grab her. To shove her against the bed and kiss and bite her neck. To claim her as his.
But that he didn't.
Instead, he let her move away, falling silent as he stared at the wall blankly.
Finally, he sighed, as if he'd given up. ❝ What do you want me to do? ❞
















