Practicality was rarely a concern of his where matters of the heart are concerned, but he does not bother to voice that to her. It is clear to him that Anita will not view any intimacy with Asher tonight as anything truly meaningful, but merely as a misguided attempt to 'protect' him by using him the same way Musette would use him.

But, in the end, it's not for him to say yes or no. And so, he sends out a wordless summons to Asher. It is ultimately going to be his decision, not Jean-Claude's.

While he waits, though, there is another question that needs to be asked. "And do you intend to bring him to our bed for only this one night?"