“Believe me, I have nothing but the utmost respect for human things,” he said softly, slowly, and urged her onto her back. There was no laughter in his eyes now, only rapt attention, and he reached out to brush her lips with his thumb before taking them with his own again. His hands explored her gently, slowly, roving over her bottom, and then he went rigid. Froze. Pulled away. He stared down at his palm, glanced at her, and left the bed. Wriggling to the edge, she eyed him. “Veron?” He rubbed his face with his hand, pacing the room, then held up the other. Blood.
