You hesistate.

He makes sense, of course he does. But at the same time, to think of yourself as… as becoming his girl, belonging to a man, even Nicholas… It’s a bridge too far. Isn’t it?

But Nicholas isn’t finished with his pitch.

“Or you could try your luck with another man I suppose? Some stranger. I’m sure you wouldn’t have any difficulty finding someone attracted to you. Not the way you look now.”

Your stomach feels queasy at the thought.

“You know how hot you look right? And you know what it’ll do to some men right? They won’t be able to help themselves. They’d want to… you know…”

Nicholas stops short but your mind fills in the blanks.

“And some, well, they wouldn’t take no for an answer. And you’re not strong enough to stop them.”

It would be easy.

Easy for some stranger to take you.

To claim you.

To ****…

“No,” you whisper. “Please, no, not that.”

“Myles.”

You look up at Nicholas, tears in your eyes.

“You’re right to be afraid. But… I can protect you.”

You feel a surge of gratitude well up inside you. You knew it, Nicholas is -

“… but only if you’re my girl. No one can take you if I already have. No one can claim you if you’re already mine.”

The panic sets in again, your fear warring with your pride.

You… and Nicholas.

You as… Nicholas’s girl.

But the alternatives…

You bite your lip again. Close your eyes.