"I know it makes you happy, dolcezza," he replied, taking on a bit softer tone and reaching to touch her face. "But I am only looking out for your safety."

Alright, so he was a sucker for the women in his life, and Stephanie –– his lost American lamb –– often needed to be placated more than the rest, considering her terrible predicament. It was easy to forget that she came from a land of blinking lights and lightning power and cloud-like beds, and that she was so prone to these fits of unhappiness.

No one in his position put much stock in happiness, after all. Not with work to do.

"You will thank me for it. Now, let me see that arm."