Her eyes flew to his, and held. "What?"
"I offer you my protection in every manner." She stared. He held it. "One that would have you no longer running, nor hiding. As well as an employment aboard this ship."
She shook her head. "I cannot impose on your goodness. I cannot ask for that much."
How greatly had her in-laws deprived her that she found the littlest goodness as a great mercy?
"I am giving it to you." Her countenance held, then fell. He almost smiled. "However," Brand said, pausing whatever she was about to say. "As you must remain on this ship, there is but one condition. We must do away with all these unnecessary formalities." He paused. "Madelyn, you shall call me by my name."
She blinked at him, stunned, her demeanour wavering. "I can't possibly—"
