The flash of understanding almost makes him pause -- where could she have learned what it meant? Gregor or Miles, most likely, and he's never really heard of Gregor ever giving his word on something. The poor man probably can't afford to, Ivan muses, on account of having so many other things going on with his life. Miles then. Which means he's probably not going to want to know. "It would have to be, if it's going to impress you." Oh yes, impressing is absolutely a goal.

If it's any comfort, the only reason he excels at it is practice and determination. But he's not stubborn enough to flirt where his affections are unwanted, and handles rejection well at the prospect of their always being another woman somewhere. "Caution's never a bad thing," Ivan agrees -- definitely not where he comes from. "God knows I try to be an innocent bystander when I can." And it's damn hard work, let him tell her. Still, he grins down at her -- comforting and encouraging. "Well I'm glad to have met you when that's changed."

Oh, he is ever.