"And what have I done to deserve that fear? Is there any point in asking you why you'd think something so absurd?"

She flushed slightly. "It's not that absurd. You've done nothing...I know...I thought you were not likely to be cruel or unreasonable...but..." she trailed off and gnawed on her lower lip.

"But what?"

She averted her eyes, looking instead at the large hands which still held her captive. She moved in closer, stepping between his knees.

He was right. It was ridiculous. How could she have thought that? He wasn't like that, there was no logical explanation for her reaction.

"I know, you're right. It's illogical of me." Then...