Coral stops abruptly, tugging on his arm to force him to face her; she keeps her emotions in check, studying his disapproving face, "Vadim—do you trust me?"

"You know that I do, sister," his voice is pained, "despite everything."

She feels like crying but doesn't dare, focused on the delicateness of the situation, "The things you told me you wanted are possible with Lynette. If you take the time to court her, to get to know her, I think you will find that she is a good woman. You two could find love; you could have a family. You can be happy."

Vadim studies her face, the anger melting off...