Elijah held up his hands defensively. "I can take care of myself, Ben. And I've been working on that. They are just words. I am hoping my reputation wouldn't be so tarnished by one man who can't help but overly partake and let his lips go a little wild." Boy that sounded wrong. "He's harmless and is more bark than bite. He needs alittle time and a little stability and safety in his life to finally relax and start pulling himself together. It isn't something done over night."