Ed gave a low growl. That was the kind of thing he had said to women as a parting shot in the past; his stomach tightened as he realized that by condemning Ryan he had to condemn his own behavior. Nuzzling at KiKi's hair, lost for a moment in the shadows of his own condemnation, he paused before answering.
"That's the kind of thing a guy says when he wants to make sure he leaves the girl damaged when he leaves her. It's a cheap shot and by taking it he's proven that he doesn't deserve you..." he was serious then, not teasing or playing the part of the doting suitor. "I've said that kind of thing before and...it's not right, Katherine. I was an ass when I said it. He was an ass to say it to you..." He leaned down then, giving her a quick kiss and then lightening his tone again. "You deserve better. Let's be sure that from now on you are only treated with respect and adoration, okay?"