[Richard was already so used to Silco's touch, the way he'd move and pull his body around with a sense of careful assertion, that he even now simply let himself being pulled forward up against his lover. With his own snaking around the man's back he leaned his own lithe body against Silco's, eyes not leaving the man's face for a moment.

Loyalty was essential for both of them. Without it there was no trust between them and Silco might have as well driven that knife into his chest instead of the tree. And when Richard had initially left the note on his lover's desk he had been certain that, a very decisive line had been crossed. He had promised Silvia that he could trust on him, place his faith on him only to falter a week or so later. In Richard's mind retribution would have been warranted. And yet.]

Keep her away from me. [He says, a hint of defeat in his voice. Silco had offered to do so before, which Richard had refused - fully believing that he was capable of handling her on his own.] Tell her the truth if you must. But if your daughter comes after me again, when I'm not so distracted, I can't promise that she'll come out of it with just a cut.

I do not wish to disappoint you.