"Grayson..." Mailah murmured, her laughter melting into pure, overwhelming affection. "You are completely out of your mind."
"I was desperate, Mailah," Grayson said softly, his voice dropping into a quiet, serious tone. "I lost all my memory of how to deal with humans, and I was terrified that my ignorance would push you away forever. I wanted to learn how to be the husband you deserved. I thought that if I understood human life better, I could come back and treat you properly."
He reached into the pocket of his dark trousers and pulled out a small, thick black leather book. He held it out toward her like a man turning over evidence in court.
Mailah took the book, her eyes wide. "What is this?"
"My field notes," Grayson said gravely.
Mailah flipped open the cover. Written in sharp, elegant handwriting that looked like it belonged on a hundred-year-old royal decree were neat, numbered lines:
