"You are asking me to be your husband?" Bastian asked, trying to pretend the amusement was not trickling into his mind as the rum trickled down his throat.
"Aye," Melinda said sheepishly. "I am…I did not realize just how lonely I am. I am…I am not a woman who can lay with other women, I just want a man who is good and strong to hold me and make me warm. It's…it's actually my first time doing anything this brave."
"I understand," Bastian said. "You want to feel a warm and caring body next to you at night. We all do. At least, most of us do. You are so very brave for choosing to do something about it."
"You have plenty of women." Melinda nodded. "I will not take offense if you…if you prefer to be with them at times. Just be with me for a while. Be with me every now and then."
