He didn't want her to pull away. He simple wanted to understand. Arm coated with the protective salve, he listened to her speak.

"Here," he asked after she stopped, kiss her cheek. Aware that it had probally been struck by the back of some bastard's hand, more than once. Surreal would not let him fight her battles for her. He knew that. But she might let him hold her after. "Here?" His lips brushed her forearm.