Even though Ron was being serious, his words had no effect on Vera. She stood right up, her stance clear.
"Since you're not willing to talk, Brother Ron, I won't force you. But I can't possibly agree to these demands of yours."
"Vera, you won't even give me a single kiss?"
Vera smiled calmly. "Right now, you're asking for a kiss. If I agree, you'll just ask for something else. If this continues, I'll end up completely under your control. It's better to put a stop to it from the very beginning."
Vera knew this opening gambit of his all too well. He just wanted to make her bend to his will.
Then he would dismantle her defenses step by step, making their relationship even more precarious.
Besides, Vera resented him deep down. How could she possibly compromise? Even if it meant never finding out the island's location, she couldn't bring herself to have that kind of contact with him.
Ron shook his head with a bitter smile. As she turned to leave, he grabbed her.
