”“Why?”“Why what?”“Why did you… Why did Q…”“I can't speak for Quigley. Do you ever glance at yourself in the mirror and say, ‘Ug..., I look terrible’ and avert your eyes from your reflection?”“On occasion.”“How often?”“Maybe once a month, when I am PMSing.”“Try once a day, every day. This bun in my oven halted my PMS temporarily, but I continue feeling like I'm hideous.”“But you are so pretty, Jax.”“I don't see it.”“Doesn't your husband? Kevin married you, right?”“That's what he said. And, as I. For the past twenty-six years, you have enjoyed peace and prosperity. You have lived your lives in happiness and safety under an umbrella of protection provided to you all those years ago by one man. You know of whom I speak; you know his name, though many of you have forgotten your debt."You remember that the lord Iosoan of the Hai Lei brought peace to your land twenty-six years ago. You think of him as a kind and gentle ruler, fair and just and true. He is all those things, yes. But also. “That’s where you’re sleeping?” Des said. He and Arnol had come up behind her. “You don’t have a tent?”That should have been obvious to them from the size of her pack.“No. I’ll be fine.”“You should stay in ours. It’ll be tight, but we’re all friendly here.” He gave her a smile that didn’t extend to his eyes.“I don’t think so.”“I wasn’t asking, girl.” His fake smile had faded.“You really don’t want to do this, Des.”“Course I do.” He reached for her arm.Before she could stop it, her second. He began caressing her through her dress roughly so she could feel it through the dress and bra.She couldn't speak with him kissing her, although something akin to moaned pleas was coming from her. He didn't know if they were pleas to stop or to continue so he ignored them. Maria's helplessness slowly turned to arousal. She had always been in control of herself and what she did. But that was slipping away with his kisses and his touch. Her fear grew with each moment he continued, and so did her.