Some lines were easy to see and never to be crossed. Never take the tumble with a subordinate officer. Never take the tumble with anyone who is mei-mei (even if not by blood). Doubly so if the girl-child in question is broken.

That was easy. Never occcurred to him otherwise. More chance of him taking the tumble with Jayne than any of that, and he had less than zero interest in Jayne in that manner.

Some nights, however, that line was harder to see, particulary when it came to Inara.

Wasn't a question of his body not being willing. His body had proved itself more than willing on far too many a night alone in his bunk, release having to come by his own hand rather than hers. And no matter how hard he tried, he could't mistake one for the other.

No, his body knew precisely on which side of that line it wanted to be. The same side as every other man who'd ever laid eyes on her.

And that right there was the problem. He wanted to be the only one on that side of the line. Couldn't reconcile himself to the fact that there were others as well.

Yet every time he sees her, he can feel himself inching closer to that line. Closer to the paradise and the purgatory she promises with every movement. Half hoping and half fearing that one day he'll cross over that thin red line he can barely see in the dark.