"It's because I'm going to America that I came to see her one last time." Howard answered calmly, deliberately emphasizing the words "one last time."
"Well, thank you so much for being so good to her." With that, Yuri wheeled himself toward them, inserting himself between the two.
Remembering Yuri's devil-like behavior these past few days, how he had nearly treated her like a pet, she shrank back in fear behind Howard, trying to use his tall frame to shield herself from Yuri's sharp presence.
But her attempt to be clever backfired, sending him into a towering rage.
Howard knew she was afraid, so he shielded her behind him, stepping in front of her like her protector. "You should be better to her, too."
"Howard, what do you think you're doing?" Yuri raised an eyebrow. It was the first time he had spoken to Howard with such a respectful tone, yet it stung more than any curse word could.
That formal address carried with it an infinite sense of distance.
