"I can respect that," Iliana said. She wondered if it would serve any purpose to tell Marcus that, contrary to what he believed, even she didn't know all of Jake's secrets. Whatever amount of time Jake spent with her, he was never exactly forthcoming. All she really did know was how unhappy he could be at times. And that he missed his father terribly. Other than that, she was just as clueless as Lawson.

"I think 'tormented' is putting it a bit harsh. I doubt he sustained any real injuries during the incident, other than a little damage to his pride." Granted she did have that inexplicable need to protect him. Although now that Jack was gone, the only person Jake needed protection from was himself.

Oh Merlin, did he ever have her pegged, She thought with a soft laugh. "Actually I did. Cried like a baby right in front of him," she admitted. "Am I that obvious?" she asked, blushing slightly before smiling at his at his next comment.

She looked out across the pond again and found herself surprised to see the sun was starting to set. Had it gotten that late already? "You're a good person Marcus," she said, turning her head towards him. "And maybe we still can," she said, thinking out loud.