“Something a tad more vital.” She looked at him in utter terror. “I did say it would cost you. This is all I ask in return for everything I offer you. You can always leave.” She just stared at his fangs for a long moment, glancing at the door a number of times. He had long since removed his hand from her head. He did actually mean it, he would let her leave if she chose to. But he had offered her the next best thing to freedom and her choices were… what? A dungeon? Her mistress’ loving care? The streets? She had no life out there. So confident was he that she’d accept that he had not felt the slightest temptation to go back on his word.