Seeing that the two couldn't resist each other, Charlotte Cooper shuddered and pushed Henry Russell away with her flushed face. The man in front of her sensed her resistance and his eyes darkened. He released his hold on her slender waist and turned away petulantly.
Charlotte's delicate fingers intertwined anxiously. With great determination, she said, "I'm sorry..." Her choked, resolute voice stopped Henry in his tracks. He looked at Charlotte, and saw the small woman's eyes stubbornly holding back tears. Her usually fair complexion appeared even paler and more delicate due to the nightmare. His heart softened, and he tenderly held her close, feeling how fragile she was, like a sheet of paper.
Henry Russell gently reassured her, "Hmm? Silly girl, why are you apologizing to me?"
Charlotte, nestled in Henry's arms, finally started crying.