“I did care,” he said, and his voice was ragged, like wheels on gravel. “I once cared too much what they thought. And now, I seem to care too little. I seem to care only what you think.” She couldn’t resist looking at him and, as ever, she was instantly in his thrall. She shook her head, barely. Enough for him to see. “Mal,” she whispered. “What is it, Angel?” His whisper tempted her like nothing she’d ever experienced as he leaned closer. “I shall give you anything you ask. I have never been able to refuse you.”
