““I need you, Viola. I need you.' 'You are repeating. You are trying to convince yourself, aren't you?' 'You are an impossible woman. I am declaring my love to you and still you quarrel with me ... Viola, I am perishing before you. *Perishing.*' His tone was strained. 'Say something.' She nodded. 'What does that mean?' She nodded again, faster, her throat a clogged mess of joy. His eyes seemed to sparkle. 'You do love me.' She got dizzy nodding. 'Why aren't you speaking? What is -' She clutched her neck ... He looked astounded. Then he pulled her hand away and bent to set his mouth atop her windpipe. 'Function, beautiful harridan's voice,' he murmured, trailing soft, sweet kisses along her throat.””
