"If I said it," Barty said quietly, looking at Sam. He could see how much he was suffering with all of this. Having his morals compromised, even a little bit, it was at least as invasive as what had been done to him.

He leaned down, gently placing a kiss under Sam's ear. He wanted to hold him again. He wanted to help him feel safe and taken care of. "It's not on you, darling. Not on you that nothing could ever stop me from taking care of you. I'm just that kind of possessive bastard, aren't I?"