‘I had never thought about it before. What the Guardian Baron’s might do when they found out. I guess because a relationship like ours has never h...ppened before.’ He stopped talking for a while, and I just stayed, listening to our steady breathing. ‘Gracey, for all my life, I’ll never forgive myself for indirectly hurting you. For not saving you.’ His jaw clenched, and I turned my head a little to kiss his lips. Finally his jaw relaxed and he kissed me back. ‘We have to be careful…’ he. I’ve emailed you her contact details, so go to it.” On the phone she had been brisk but not brusque, warm and friendly in tone but, nonetheless, businesslike. They arranged for him to visit her at home on the following Friday afternoon. Friday morning, the forecast was for heavy rain in the afternoon. He phoned her to suggest that an on-site visit to the park might not be feasible and that perhaps they should reschedule. But she insisted they stick to their appointment. “I’ve got plenty of. He might track me down and then..." She began to whimper uncontrollably."Shush, shush now," said Noor, kissing Anna softly on the lips and then on both eyes. "No man can find my people if we do not wish to be found." Noor kissed Anna's lips again, longer this time, looking deep into her eyes."What will your family say, your people, how will they..." Let me worry about that, sweet one, lover mine." Noor's hands were on Anna's hips, stroking and holding her possessively. "If need be, we can. I will not let you down."She lost her heat and softened, but just a little. "Then I will see you in the morning." She left me with that thought.Oh boy. Why did I say all of that to her? Honesty is one thing, baring my soul is something else.I wondered if I made things worse, and if so, by how much.I extinguished the candle, knelt, and tried to meditate. It took a while for me to get her out of my head. She was quite a woman. I prayed for understanding, and I thanked Kassandra for keeping me.