It's difficult isn't it? You let your guard down and before you know it, they want more than what's fair.

( she's sure she doesn't need to explain it, after all inara is more than positive that maria knew what she meant by that— to receive help from certain types of men, especially ones who knew of their work only led to trouble. payment in the form of sex was never off the table for them.

it was part of the reason she was a bit concerned about henry offering her help so willingly but knowing he was friends with maria and wasn't a bad person put her at ease. enough so that when maria nudged her shoulder, she smiled and laughed a bit, touching her hand almost too tenderly. )

I should hope not, you're quite witty....reliable perhaps? Most certainly quite beautiful....

( she wasn't trying to flirt but.... )