Justain's thumb traced her chin, raising it. "I've missed you."

The soft coaxing of his fingers on Madeline's skin … the spice of his sandalwood scent. She missed his touch, but couldn't relent. "Pray, let me head upstairs."

Justain curled his palm on her shoulder stopping all flight. "This common ground instead of our bedchambers should give you enough comfort to stay and listen." He caressed Madeline's ear and waited.

She loved and hated his confidence, that he understood the hypnotic power of his hands. Resigned, Madeline turned.

"I admired Caroline once, a long time ago," he began as he swirled the tension along her neck.

Madeline couldn't let him sway her. "Yes, your childhood sweetheart; the woman you wanted to marry."

"When I became the heir, she started to take note of me. I wanted her respect." His voice was as thick and warm as fresh caramel; he was unflappable. "I thought if I could win her, that would prove to everyone, I was the perfect earl… prove me worthy of this title."

She crossed her arms to keep the pieces of her heart contained; They'd surely be crushed on the floor beneath his boots. At least, he admitted his partiality. "I'm sorry to have spoiled things. I know how you worry about what others think."

The muscles in his jaw drew tight. Justain reached for his forehead, rubbing along the sable hairline, and then adjusted the revers of his brocade robe. "I'm not going to be bated into giving up on you, Maddie."

Her eyes trailed to the crystal pulls on the doors. "Answer me this, my lord. Would you be engaged to Caroline right now, if we hadn't been compromised into marriage?"

"Look at me. Let your jade eyes witness my confession." His fiery palm cupped her face, drawing her to him." I probably would be. It would've been the biggest mistake of my life."

"You're just saying these things now out of pity or worse to tempt me. Justain, you can't believe yourself in love one day and then not the next." She swatted his hand, no longer able to suppress the hurt. "You're no light skirt. You're not easily turned. If bandits hadn't crossed our path, you'd be married to your true love."

"Caroline could never make me happy. Could never fill this longing in my soul." He curled a strand of Madeline's hair about his finger. "I miss the feel of this ebony silk."

"Pray don't confuse me. It's etched in my mind, the sight of you holding Caroline... in the arms I thought were meant for me."

Justain pulled her into an embrace. The light shadow of chin whiskers nuzzled the side of Madeline's cheek as he pressed her into his chest. Those large hands were about her abdomen as if he feared, releasing her to become vapor. "You're not indifferent to me, Madeline. If you let me kiss your lips, I'll make you forget there's a world outside of Trenchard."