"I love to hear you speak French," Asher murmurs softly, drawing Nathaniel into his arms, kissing him slowly.

"I hear it too little, save around Jean-Claude." He misses it, dreadfully. And if Anita's banishment extends to Jean-Claude, then unless he seeks out Valentina (and he shudders even at the thought), it will be a while until he hears it again.