"I'm disappointed in him. That's no way to go about things." A manipulator, is he? Erik will have to keep a closer watch on the overgrown spider from now on.

"I think he must have known better than to try that approach with me. I gave him my consent to court her, as well. But if this is the way he intends to do it, that will shortly be rescinded."

He offers her his hand over the counter. "I'm very sorry you felt pressured to give him what he wanted. Does River know?"