[ if she were in any other condition than the one she finds herself in — relaxed, unburdened, oddly content at the moment — she'd take offense to that tone he takes with her, even if he leans in a bit closer to deliver it.

fortunately (maybe) for him, she's several sheets to the wind away from taking offenses, right now. ]

If I had been there, seen it, I would've let you out, you know. Of whatever cage he'd held you in, surrounded by that binding circle he'd no doubt constructed. Even if I didn't know you as I do now, I'd want you to be free.

[ and then she smiles. ]

...With the hope I'd get a small reward for doing so, of course.