her teeth ground together as her own strategy was used against her . the other glared at me and said , `` what do you mean ? '' `` i mean to say , not that one could bear to think such a thing , but it must be said , it really must ... '' she looked most distressed . he took one of my hands in his and raised it to his mouth , brushing soft kisses across each knuckle . i simply suggested the urge to leave . '' is it really okay to pay off a demon ? 