He watches her for a second, feeling sorry he ever mentioned it, feeling sorry that he isn't the kind of man who could be enough for her. He could reach for her and try to pacify her, but he feels it would only make it worse. He lingers close just the same, dropping to a knee in front of her.

"Dolcezza," he says, knowing pet names probably aren't welcome just now, but it comes out anyway. "Women could move on me every hour of the day, and still I would turn down every one if I thought I had a chance with you."