“I’ve been growing rather fond of Adéwalé lately, and I like to imagine how gentle he would be with me, since he would keep in mind that he could easily hurt me if he wanted. The lovemaking would be slow and sweet, with his large hands, roughened from plantation work and life at sea, touching me so carefully. I love thinking about how much my really pale skin would contrast against his much darker body. Afterwards, he would hold me close, stroke my hair and back, and cuddle me to sleep.”