"Why are you here at this hour?" Her voice was calm, not a hint of panic.
He strode over, pinned Nora Ainsworth directly against the wall, and kissed her lips.
Nora Ainsworth reached out and flipped on the light, meeting his gaze. "Are you insane?"
"Where did you go? I thought you…"
Nora Ainsworth slipped past him. "Thought I left? With all your people here, where could I possibly go? I just went downstairs for a walk and came back up."
He seemed to let out a sigh of relief. "Saphira, let's not stay in this room, okay? Come stay in my room."
Her expression changed. "What?"
"I mean, stay in my bedroom. We'll have two beds, one for each of us. I just want to be able to see you at all times. I won't touch you until you're ready, Saphira. I'll give you time."
Nora Ainsworth sat on the edge of the bed. "You know perfectly well that telling me won't change anything. So why even say it? Even if I say no, you'll still do it anyway, won't you?"
