[ At least she didn't pull him along by his leash, Valmont supposes, following her to the table. Baby steps.

But then Manuela busts out the L-word just as he's sitting down, and it's a miracle he doesn't miss the chair entirely. ]

Love - ? I don't recall saying anything of the - yes, I'll grant you it has its... enjoyable aspects, but - I'm doing it for you, that's all!

[ Yeah. Definite baby steps. ]