Crow was just about to lean in to kiss Penelope again, but he faltered when he felt her take his hands in hers. At her words, he averted his gaze, hesitant to tell her the truth. He still considered Rikki his problem to deal with, and he also didn’t want to make her believe there was anything to worry about. Rikki had managed to tempt him once, but now that he knew her motives, he wasn’t going to fall for her enticing words again. He refused to betray Penelope’s trust the way the thief had betrayed his.

“I’m not going anywhere, I just…” he trailed off, shifting his weight uncomfortably. He knew that if he told her what had happened, he would have to explain everything, and he was ashamed of himself for even considering sleeping with Rikki. However, it was too late to lie and tell Penelope that everything was fine. She had caught the desperation in his actions. She knew something wasn’t right. He sighed and squeezed her hands, taking comfort in her touch as he steeled himself to explain why he was acting strangely.

“I just want to start by saying that nothing happened,” he said, looking up again to meet her gaze sincerely. “I need you to know that first.” He paused, taking a moment to overcome his hesitation before going on, “Earlier today, Rikki tried to seduce me into sleeping with her.” He swallowed nervously. “I think she was trying to take advantage of the fact that you and I haven’t been able to be intimate in over a month. Even if she didn’t know exactly how long it’s been, she had a pretty good idea. She timed it perfectly.” He shook his head. “She waited until we had gotten just close enough that I would listen to her lies. I’m sorry to say that it almost worked.”

Crow grimaced and let go of Penelope’s hands, feeling a pang of guilt. “I shouldn’t have trusted her,” he lowered his gaze again. “She’s a thief, and thieves are manipulative. It’s just part of how we live. I guess I just never expected her to try to deceive me like that.” The tangle of hurt emotions from Rikki’s betrayal started to surface again, and he closed his eyes, forcing them back down.

“I don’t want her to have power over me anymore,” he took a shaky breath. “I know nothing happened today, but every time I think about what could have happened if I hadn’t said no…” He faltered and went on meekly. “I could never forgive myself if I hurt you like that. I love you, and I don’t want to lose you, Penelope.”