“Ava, neither of us anticipated each other and for very different reasons. I know your parents opinion counts for a lot to you, and as it means so much to you, it means a lot to me too. My priority is you. You're all that matters to me. I love you.”

“Where you're concerned, I'll try my best, Ava. I already told you, I've waited too long for you. You're my little piece of heaven. Nothing will rob you from me. Nothing.”

“There are lots of things you can do, Ava. But I can't ask you to do any of them.”

“Ava, you're asking me not to touch you. That goes against all of my instincts.”

“Just yours, Ava. Tell me you love me.”

“No, you're not." He sounds very confident. "Ava, you've found out the worst about me and not run a mile. Well, you did, but you came back." He kisses my forehead. "Do you honestly think I'm bothered about my age?”

“I need to have all of you, Ava. Say I can have all of you.”…“Take me.” I say quietly against his lips.’“Oh, I will.”