Edmond's hand paused for a moment when he withdrew the spoon, and the way he looked at me changed again. I didn't know if he sensed something, but his eyes became more guarded. He scooped another spoonful of soup and fed it to me. He wiped the corners of my mouth gently and then asked casually, "What else do you want to eat besides brisket?"

I leaned on him and let him feed me breakfast, suppressing the desire to bite him. My hand explored his shirt and stroked his back. His ...