Carcel didn't move. He kept his head resting on her, listening to the rapid beat of her heart.
"I am not perfect," he said muffled against the silk. "And I'm kind of terrified."
Ines paused. Her hand rested on the back of his head, cradling him.
" terrified?" she asked. "You? Carcel Anderson, Duke of Carleton?"
"I am terrified that something will go wrong," Carcel admitted. He turned his head slightly so he could look up at her, his chin resting on her chest. His eyes were wide and honest. "I am terrified that she will hurt you. If the plan fails... if she ruins your name..."
Ines looked down at him. She saw the fear behind the confidence. He wasn't scared for himself. He was scared for her.
She smiled, a soft, reassuring smile. She moved her hand from his hair to his cheek, cupping his face.
"It won't fail," Ines said firmly. "We wrote the ending, remember? You and I. That's enough to have complete trust in your plan and I'm certain it won't fail."
