by Colette Rosenhof » Fri Jan 03, 2020 1:44 am
It was Colette's turn to look apprehensive. Basil had told her his history, and she had shared her concerns. And while she trusted him to look after himself and not get swindled by a pretty face, there was still that nagging sense of guilt that she was exploiting this wonderful young man. She reached out for Basil's hand, wanting to hold it as she spoke, taking a breath to steady herself - even if she didn't need to breathe, it somehow helped her calm herself. There didn't seem any reason to rehash her concerns about him looking after himself or spoiling her.
"This is a gift far, far greater than any I have every received before, and likely ever will, so please forgive me if I seem unappreciative, I had not expected zis." She managed a little laugh despite herself, looking down. "Zough really, should I have expected anyzing less from you? Ze man who never ceases to amaze me." She hesitated for a moment.
"I... would sign ze papers. I will. But... could we not boz be named upon zem?" She gave Basil's arm a pre-emptive squeeze, already anticipating a negative reaction. "You wish to care for me, to see to my needs, yes? Zis home, it will involve many matters zat I have no knowledge of. Repairs, taxes... if you are an owner as well, you will be able to deal wiz zese issues wizout ze red tape of contractors and bureaucrats needing to speak to ze property owner, yes?"
She opened her mouth to say something else, but then a thought occurred to her. "Basil, my matou, please forgive me but I must ask. Is zis to ensure zat what occurred wiz your Oxford apartment cannot happen again?"
![Image](https://i.imgur.com/ucvojDL.png)