She felt. She ached. She longed for him even when he touched his lips to hers, even when he deepened it, silent words of homage being paid as he drew her closer against him. It was the first time she had felt anything at all, and like one desperate for what was offered them, she resisted when he initially pulled away, her lips burning from the lack of feeling.

"No, Charlotte. You can't just have me here to make things feel better for you. It's not fair to me. Bloody hell, it's not fair for you! I'd take any torture if it were, believe me, I would."

"Leathan," she breathed, her voice weak and lacking the exuberance it usually would have had he pulled away from her so quickly at another time. Drawing back from him, and dropping her hand (her fingers stung with the desire to touch him), Charlotte paused before lifting her gaze to his, "This is torture for me to not have you. Please don't give me an ultimatum."

The sinceirty and need in her eyes overwhelmed her face.