[ All or nothing. A terrible mindset to have in a prison masquerading as a gambling den. It takes one to know one and he silently thinks — maybe he ought to watch out for her in this place, its gilt promises of luxury surely belying its ability to grip and rend kindness to pieces. Who knows for what purpose... he hasn't figured it out yet.

But this sensation is calmer and nearer than all of that. Her forgiving gaze on him, sweet hands willing to bear his touch. Compared to him, the smoothness of her fingers are cool in his own, so slight that they fit right against the breadth of his palm. ]

I know it seems weird to ask. [ Considering they'd already been doing this... ] But I'll bet this place makes it awfully easy to overstep if I'm not careful.