She smiled, gently resting her head on Alaric Davenport's arm. She could clearly feel his previously tense expression soften considerably, a change that had begun the moment she formally introduced him. The warmth was returning to his features, like a gradual thaw.
"I'm really sorry." Looking at Michael, who insisted it was fine despite his crestfallen expression, she felt a pang of guilt. That look couldn't be faked. 'It's just that every time I see how passionate and guileless he is, I can't bear to say anything.'
'But in the end, I was bound to hurt him sooner or later.'
"Miss Rosalind, you really don't need to apologize. My feelings for you are my own affair. You have no obligation to share your private life with me; that's completely normal. I just hope my affection hasn't caused you any trouble."
Rosalind shook her head. "You haven't caused any trouble at all, Mr. Michael. We still have a long period of study ahead of us. I look forward to learning from you."
