Yet it is in your interest to take away her power over you be removing her intentions or spinning them in a different light. [He ignored the offense that Richard felt at his breezy oversimplification over the traumas that Joan provided to his lover. He could see clearly that Richard was tormented, but his assistance could not be stealing the witch away but undercutting the power that she had on Richard. If he could help Richard reduce her to a controlled annoyance, then he had done his objective.

His expression closed at the rebuttal, well earned and well-aimed as it was. Indeed, Richard had found one of his own unfortunate weaknesses from his past. No doubt accidentally discovering had been as much a point of interest as it had been horrifying for his lover, especially when one considered how strictly controlled he often was. Richard saw more of him than everyone, including Jinx. Richard peeled back layers on purpose and accidentally.] Oh no doubt she and I would bicker endlessly, and then you would have to put up with that.

He raised his own natural eyebrow at the statement that Richard didn't want him to read the Bible. His hands reached out to curl around the back of his lover's thighs, sitting up again so he could attempt to draw the younger man towards him, perhaps to even sit on or next to him.]

You do not wish for me to learn about a part of you which has tormented you since the day we met? Why do you fear my having knowledge?