<em>Leo and Danica, giving it a whirl</em><br/><br/>Leo shook his head slowly. "A few reasons, Danica." A hand rested on the side of her neck so his thumb could touch her cheek. "I won't deny that your willingness is an incentive. But it's not the reason." He sighed. "You make me less crazy." He chuckled ruefully. "I know I'm not exactly stable, but you make me a little less crazy."<br/><br/>"And that's not really the only reason either. Because I can actually feel something for you. More than I've been able to feel for anyone else. A lot of it is because I enjoy<em>you</em>, not just hurting you, but you."<br/><br/>He paused for a moment. "And I...I want to protect you. I have since we met. It's a nice feeling, one I'd lost. I want to keep you safe, Danica. Even from me, some of the time. At the same time, I want to own you, Danica. But never doubt that I am serious about this."