`` well , it 's not laces , '' i murmured , `` but if you 'd give a hand in the back there ... '' i laid aside my cloak , and turned my back to him , lifting my hair to expose the neck of the dress . my idea is this , you blockhead . `` i do n't stay with anyone long enough for it to be considered a relationship . '' a female 's piercing scream shattered the air , the sound sending a cold chill down vincent 's spine . 