If it was what Arthur wanted?

Malachi didn’t break the other’s stare, no matter how much he wanted to. Every time his finger rubbed against the tape, it tugged lightly at the raw, reddened skin beneath.

This was ridiculous. His life in the priesthood was already doomed, and now Arthur asked for him to sacrifice a life outside of it, too? He’d never been free from anything, not in his whole life.

Another deep breath. Slow. An attempt to steady himself, if nothing else.

“No,” he finally said. “I would not deny you.”