“And I understand—” he cut her off, leaning even closer, “—that your loyalty lies elsewhere. Contrary to what you may think, it is not my intention to make that more difficult for you. I know what it is to have an occupied heart. But I cannot help how I feel. And you’ve made it very clear that I am not entitled to any part of you—that your heart, as well as your body, are to be earned. I ask only for the chance to do so.”
