‘Let me keep you sane, then, love. I promise I’m fine. Stop worrying yourself when there’s nothing to worry about – I promise.’ Love. I should not be listening, I should not give in so easily – but Zera help me, the way he spoke that one coveted word … The reverent twist of his lips. The heat of his breath on my cheek. The soft rasp of that melodious baritone, trailing down my spine like the tender scrape of nails, setting skin and blood on fire … I promise. A lie. I knew it was a lie. But it was such a sweet one, and I would be so glad to believe it
