"No, little one, after giving it thought, I cannot say I would have been happy had you been feeding." "Isn't that what I'm supposed to do? A Carpathian woman preys on unsuspecting humans." There was an edge of unshed tears in her voice. Mikhail carried the water to the side of the bed and knelt down in front of her. "I am trying to understand my feelings, Raven, and they do not make sense." Very gently he began to bathe her feet. "More than anything I want your happiness. But I feel the need to protect you." His hands were gentle, his touch tender, as he removed every speck of earth. Raven ducked her head, rubbing her temples. "I know you do, Mikhail, and I even understand to a point your need to do it, but I am always going to be me. I'm impulsive, I do things. I decide I want to fly a kite, and the next thing I know, I'm doing it." He inclined his head, but then shook it. "I understand and yet I do not. I asked for time to come to grips with my terrible fear for your safety." His voice was so incredibly gentle, it brought tears to her eyes. "Why did you not simply wait inside until I returned?" She touched his coffee-colored hair with her fingertips, felt an ache in her throat. "I wanted to go outside on the porch for fresh air. I had no other thought, but the night just called to me. I'm not feeling very confident in myself right now, Mikhail. I don't expect someone like you--someone always sure of his actions--to understand, but I to feel in control." Mikhail glanced up at her, his dark eyes warm with his feelings for her. "It was my mistake; I should have realized your needs and anticipated them. Knowing you were alone, I should have set better safeguards to protect you." "Mikhail, I am capable of looking after myself." Her blue eyes were very earnest, impressing on him the truth of her words. He really didn't need to worry. Mikhail did his best to keep from smiling."