the way he talked to her. It was outrageous. It was blunt. It was impossible. And it was ... precisely what she needed, the truth boned and filleted without garnish or flourish, placed in front of her for her decision. He made her wants seem ordinary instead of dark and dangerous.

“I’ve a goodly share of faults. I rush in, where I should tread carefully. I spe…”

“For years, every conversation she had with a man had been colored by calculatio…”

“The vicar gave him permission and he kissed her - not hard, for lust, nor long,…”

“I spent my day as I normally spend my days: threatening suppliers, bullying tho…”