<span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#99ff99">He did not bother to protest that she had not hurt him -- she had, and they both knew it.  Dropping his head forward, he let his forehead rest against hers... let their breath mingle between them.  "You have never been merely duty to me," he repeated.  "Not as a bright and charming child -- and not as a stunningly beautiful young woman.  In point of fact -- were this about duty, would I not be several arm lengths away from you now?"  He made no attempt to move, one hand sliding up her arm to cup the back of her neck.  "Duty and obligation would be to step away now, before we say or do something that cannot be undone -- but I cannot.  You are what I want, Gwendolyn.  In whatever capacity you will allow me -- I wish to be with you."</span></span>