James lay with Ashlynn entangled in his arms, her head on his chest, blonde hair splayed across the bare skin. She was asleep, her chest rising and falling slowly but steadily. He rubbed circles on the skin of her back with his hand, only stopping to brush hair away from her face. Her skin felt warm against his, and very soft.

"I have to say, I never thought I'd see the day."

The voice was quiet, but James knew it well. His eyes moved to Elizabeth, who stood in the doorway, a faint smile on her face. She looked at him, then Ashlynn. "How old is the girl?"

"Twenty-one," he replied.

"She's little more than a child, James."

He didn't answer for a moment as Ashlynn's blue eyes fluttered open. "Shh," he whispered to her. "Go back to sleep, dear girl."

She smiled faintly at him before closing her eyes, nestling closer and wrapping her arm around his chest. He took her hand, pressing a kiss to her knuckles. As sleep began to overwhelm her again, James looked back at Elizabeth. "She's sleeping," he noted, which earned a chuckle.

"You're falling in love, James. I can see it."

"I'm not," he replied. "But she needs protection."

"Protection? I found that poor girl in her room. She left blood all over the carpet. Was that your doing or your little girl?"

"She isn't mine."

"Really?"

Elizabeth shook her head, taking a few steps closer. James' grip tightened protectively on Ashlynn, who mumbled something in her sleep. "She smells like a banana candy," Elizabeth noted, smiling to herself.

"Do you want something, Elizabeth?" James asked, and she shrugged.

"I just want to see the girl who has you making mistakes. Leaving that body where anyone could see? That was stupid, James."

He flinched at that, and Elizabeth chuckled despite herself. "Fearful, are we? That's surprising. But, that's how you seem to be acting lately. What's so special about this girl, James?"

"She's innocent," James murmured, smoothing a hand along Ashlynn's back. "Uncorrupted."

"Or at least she was until your filthy hands touched her."

He did not answer, and Elizabeth sighed. "Do you care for her, James?"

A look of what could have almost been fear appeared on his face, and before he could speak again, Elizabeth shook her head. "Don't lie to me, James."

"Perhaps," he said. "She needs to be protected, Elizabeth. I can protect her."

"She's her own person."

"She's young and weak."

"But her own person nonetheless."

When James didn't answer, Elizabeth rolled her eyes. "I'll leave you," she said. "Enjoy your night, James."

He watched her leave, and as she shut the door behind her, Ashlynn slowly raised her head. "Was someone here?" she asked softly, and James shook his head.

"No, dear girl. You must be dreaming," he said.

"Oh," she whispered, smiling faintly as he ran his fingers through her soft hair.

"Go back to sleep, dear girl."

"All right."

She looked up at him, moving to kiss him softly. Her next words came as a surprise to both of them, though James tried his best to hide it as she giggled softly. "I think I'm falling in love with you."

He didn't answer. Rather, he wrapped his arms tighter around her waist and buried his face in her blonde hair.

When morning came, Ashlynn awoke to an empty bed. She bit her lip, pulling the blankets off her bare body as she stood and picked up her clothes from the floor. The room was far warmer than when she had entered the night before, and no longer were the hairs on her arms risen to attention.

She tossed the clothes onto her bed, digging through her suitcase for an outfit. She settled on a white tank top and a pair of light wash jeans, along with her favorite yellow cardigan. She dressed in silence, brushing her hair out in the mirror.

At the door to Elizabeth's penthouse suite, James was trying to think of how to make his request. He wrung his hands together, looking at the floor. Everything willed him to knock, but his fear of what Elizabeth would say held him back.

Sucking in an unneeded breath, he raised his hand, rapping his knuckles against the door.

It opened quickly to reveal Elizabeth, who looked him over with a sigh. "James," she said. "What do you want?"

"I've come to ask a favor," he said, and she raised an eyebrow.

"I don't give favors, James."

"Please."

She rolled her eyes, opening the door further. "Come in," she said. "Tell me what you want."

He stepped into the room, and she closed the door behind him with a nod. "Speak," she said, and James watched her sit in a chair, crossing one leg over the other.

"Ashlynn," he said, and a laugh escaped Elizabeth.

"What of her?" she asked.

"She cares for me."

"Really? Who could have guessed that?"

"But I care for her, as well."

At that, Elizabeth seemed to tense. "Truly?"

"I do believe so, yes."

She chuckled faintly, leaning forward to meet his gaze fully. "You've fallen in love with her?"

When he didn't answer, Elizabeth's smile grew. "Oh, this is just wonderful. You've experienced the main human emotion well after your time alive. How do you feel, James?"

"Strange."

She nodded. "I see. So, you've come to tell me you're done with our monthly dinners?"

"No," James said. "I've come to ask if you would turn her."

"I'm sorry, what?"

"Turn her. Turn Ashlynn into what you are. And then she can stay here forever with me."

"Kill her if you want her to stay with you."

"She'll never be able to leave this place. I want her to have some semblance of freedom."

Elizabeth didn't answer for a moment. "Do you truly love her?"

"I believe I do," James said.

She looked at the floor, shaking her head before she replied. "I'll do it."