"I'm sorry, my love... I do want you, but I have been going about this all wrong..."

He knew that Maxie was just on the other side of the door. He could feel his weight against it, and Edmond pushed against it in turn, brushing his fingers against the wood as if he were caressing Maxie himself.

"You were taken advantage of... You need time to heal, and I shouldn't have tried to rush you... I... I promise, Maxie."