Can it be that your love has blinded you, mela? {"love"} Or perhaps your love is what gives me strength to be worthy.

{He knows the latter is true, of course, but he enjoys teasing her gently. At her frown, he cups her face between his hands and gives her a sweet kiss, eyelids drifting closed.}

You will not lose me. {Those words are whispered against her lips before he kisses her again. He has waited long enough for this and he sees no reason to show much restraint.}