and if that were the case , then perhaps he 'd touch her some more and keep her around as long as necessary . he came down the steps with an easy stride that seemed to say he had n't a care in the world . i dab a tissue that lina provided against the scratch along my neck . he muttered a curse as he dodged the brush . as might be expected , it 's an invitation-only party . he had asked his uncle about them , but received only the vaguest of replies . 