She was silent, her hands trembling as the man let go. "You must be the husband, or whatever. Make sure your wife learns how to speak and pay attention."
He squinted at the man for a moment, looking down at Avice for a minute and kissing the top of her head before passing her Aubrey. "Ms. Curnow," he said gently, deliberately not using her real name, "could you take the children away, please?"
He looked back up at the man and gave him a small smile, although it didn't meet his cold, blue eyes. "Would you like to join me for a drink?" he asked smoothly.
He hesitated before holding her jaw in his hand. "Are you okay?" he asked gently, brushing her cheekbone with his thumb.
He fell silent, brushing his fingers through her hair. "He's done," he said after a moment. "You don't have to worry."
She relaxed, her fingers curling in his shirt as she whimpered. "I love you. I love you. You're my hero."