It’s been a while since he’s had anyone outright cling to him like this. Except maybe for that one goat that was trying to eat his hoodie earlier this week. This is much more tolerable, however.

…Rezo reminds himself that he should not get too involved with this woman, and visibly hesitates as he tries to find a way to discourage her without being rude.

“I am not sure that would be wise,” he says gently. “Although I am flattered by the offer.” But he doesn’t want to become overly reliant on her, and he does not want her to be caught up in the mess if anything goes terribly wrong with his own situation. And, well, he can be bossy and self-centered, which doesn’t mesh well with proper partnership.