"Of course he knows," Eddie whispered. Fingertips stroked against Katurian's cheek, leaving sticky faded red marks. "Of course he's plotting. I am counting on him doing so."

Those fingers hooked into Katurian's cheek.

"He expects me to balk. To resent. To unwillingly, slowly, accept. But I'm much quicker than that, Katurian, I've already accepted." He exhaled, savoring his words. Hearing them outside his mind for the first time. "And I need to know you won't make me hurt you. I really don't want that, you know, I like you."

He dragged his nails downwards. His eyes, watching.

"Don't make me hurt you, Katurian."