"No really, are you okay?" Was he OK? Was that even the word to use? He was miserable, he was unhappy, he was furious. How could Cecily even ask that? Didn't she know? Couldn't she tell?

"You have no right to ask that." Gideon replied flatly. He looked down at his hands-the tearing flesh, the ripped skin and the blood seeping out. He wanted this pain. If it helped him forget about Cecily and her marriage to his brother, then it helped loads.

"What are you talking about?" she asked. Cecily stopped wetting the sponge for a minute and stared at him. She was so beautiful, Gideon thought, with her small face, and her little cleft chin. Every detail of her made Gideon feel the urge to kiss her and haver her to himself. But of course he couldn't. Not when she was getting married to his brother. Gideon simply dropped his head back and laughed as she dabbed away the blood on his knuckles. What was he thinking? What a disgusting person he was to be thinking of Cecily any more than of a sister. "Gideon?" Cecily asked. He jerked his head back up and looked at her.

"Why. Why me? Why you?" Gideon whispered, staring at Cecily as she continued wrapping his hand up. She sighed, raising her eyes to his.

"Gideon..." Cecily started in a whisper. But it was a moment to late for that. Gideon brought his hand up to Cecily's face and stroked her cheek, pulling her closer to him. She hesitantly moved forward, probably at war with herself. And Gideon didn't bother to think of anything but the moment. He pressed his hot mouth against hers, also warm to the touch. Their lips locked together unquestioningly for a sweet eternity. Gideon's hand trailed into her hair, brushing over the auburn curls.

And then the heavenly moment crashed.

Cecily gasped against his mouth, pulling away quickly and turning the other way to hide her flush. Gideon simply closed his eyes for a minute. That was likely the last time he'd be with her. Be able to kiss her. He wanted to devour the moment up. But it ended too quick.

"I should go." Cecily was mumbling, gathering her skirts and reaching for the door.

Fight, Gideon heard his conscience telling him. Fight for her.

Gideon bit his lip and nodded. "Yeah." he replied, and watched her leave, walking stiffly out of the doors.