“Tell me your name,” he whispered. Slowly, very slowly, Alizeh touched her fingers to his waist, anchored herself to his body. She heard his soft intake of breath. “Why?” she asked. He hesitated, briefly, before he said, “I begin to fear you’ve done me irreparable damage. I should like to know who to blame.” “Irreparable damage? Surely now you are exaggerating.” “I only wish I were.” “If that is true, sire, then it is best we part as anonymous friends, so as to spare each other further harm.” “Friends?” he said, dismayed. “If your intention was to wound me, know you have succeeded.”
