And Una had been needing this too: the chance to touch someone—a woman—Starbuck; to give pleasure without struggle or pain. It didn't matter how much she loved it; she couldn't live on the tightrope forever. Even if this was only a brief respite, it was exactly the one she needed.

She smiled against Starbuck's mouth. "Don't worry, darling," she murmured. "You're in good hands." Which were now, gently and carefully, being put to use.