“What he did—I cannot … Heavens, how you must hate him.” Her hand reached for his, and he didn’t have the strength to pull away. “I will not be the weapon wielded against you. I refuse to add a single drop of suffering to what you’ve already endured.” Her smile trembled at the corners. “I know I sometimes seem a fribble. Perhaps I am. But I shall protect you, as well. With all my strength.” His heart felt as though it had been kicked with a hard boot. Lust warred with something deeper, painfully sharp. He forced himself to remain still.
