"I….I promised myself that I would not pressure you or anything. I gave myself lectures over and over about how this was going to be civilized and all. I taught myself over and over about just letting you take the lead in our conversation. I even…" he let out a short humourless laugh "I even practised what I was going to say to you in my mirror over and over again but just look at me…. Few minutes here and I forget all those promises. Just a moment in your presence and I can't control myself anymore"

He turned away to look at the window. Focusing on a peddler that...