“You’re not helping.” She cringed and buried her head in her hands. He carefully took them in his and lowered them back to her lap. He leaned down and placed a kiss against her fingers. “We have the Faire. Out there are nineteen people who care about you. That want you to be happy, and part of the Family. And here, kneeling at your feet like a fool, is someone who has come to value you highly enough to refuse the idea of turning you into one of his dolls. Twice. That is no small feat.”
