"You are my life, little one. We will ask Father Hummer to marry us in the way of your people." His white teeth gleamed at her. His dark eyes were warm with contentment. "I will accept the marriage as binding, and you will erase the word and all of its meanings from your memory. That will please me." He grinned at her, male amusement taunting her. Her fingertips traced the hard line of his jaw tenderly. "How do you manage to turn everything to your advantage?" His hand found the bare skin of her satin-smooth thigh, reveling in all that warm heat. "I do not know the answer to that, little one. Perhaps it is sheer talent."