“You do not think that word will fool me, do you?” He tightened his grip around her briefly, forcing her to look back at him.
“I’m—” She paused. “I’m trying to focus on the now, over the later.”
“Garl,” his voice had a serious severity to it. “Earlier, did you think I was uttering sweet words to seduce you into my bed?” Tris studied her reaction. “This is not temporary. Unless ... you wish for it to be?” She shook her head hastily. “Good. You are my lady, and I will see the world knows it. I will place you by my side, I promise.”
Garl stared at him in awe. Things had changed between them. Tris knew, she saw the glint in his eyes that told her he understood all too well the forces that had pushed her over the edge and into his bed. Her overwhelming adoration for him combined with the s
