"It is not," Hyacinthe said, sharply. And then he gentled. "And you know 'tis not. You may believe that being unhappy now will ensure your unhappiness later and I'll not gainsay you, but please, Xanthippe, don't pretend that you're happy or that this is normal."

His thumb slid over and brushed against her lower lip. "You deserve better than this and I don't know why you disagree."