He was overcome with relief when Greengrass listened to him. The last thing he needed was the other man fighting his requests because of their exchange in Black's, especially when he wasn't in a place where he could physically help himself. He watched Greengrass, trying to focus on his fingers rather than the burning pain in his arm—and then Greengrass paused and began to protest, and Valerian pursed his lips. "I don't think anyone who stumbled across us would assume you're trying to ravish me. Your reputation is safe," he retorted dryly, lowering his gaze back to his arm with a grimace. He could see the blood seeping through the thick fabric of his coat, and the bricks where he was bracing himself were stained with blood.
