[ his tactics won't work for long on her, that much is clear. he's quiet for a moment, his hand kneading into her shoulder now. it is wholly unfair to ask her about the experiences she holds deep inside of her if he has no intention to give anything of himself in return. that isn't how any of this works. ]

I'd answer if I knew. [ he focuses on the way her skin feels beneath his hand, a comfortable silken warmth. ] It's possible, of course. I imagine even unavoidable, with you. But I don't want to let myself want that. Just that small thing. And I don't want you to think that that somehow means I don't want to be with you.

[ he moves to her hair again, the tips of his fingers running along her scalp. this moment feels suddenly fragile, and he can't help the doubt that springs into his mind, that maybe he shouldn't be doing this, maybe it's too soon after all, but it takes no time at all for his mind to supply a counterargument. he wants this. ]

I can show you. When we go back inside. [ it allows him time to escape those truths for at least a little longer. the sun will be up by then, and perhaps the world won't seem so bleak. ] I'd rather just show you everything than tell you. I promise you'll get the truth either way.

[ he reaches for their glasses and then settles beside her again, holding hers out. he wants to know alina's story because he wants to know every part of her. the less gentlemanly part of him is still hungry for any insight he can get about aleksander. there's a plan slowly coming into place and he already has zoya on board. ]

I'm curious. [ he takes a sip, sliding his arm around her and savoring her warmth. ] How did you meet him? He doesn't really run in these circles. You certainly won't find him in a laundromat.