"I apologize." "For what, exactly?" One long look into his grey eyes told Patience she was not going to escape lightly. She narrowed her eyes anew. "For casting unjustified aspersions on your character." She could see him considering, matching that against her unwise words. Rapidly, she did the same. "And your motives," she grudgingly added. Then she thought again. And frowned. "At least, some of them." His lips twitched. "Definitely only some of them." His voice had regained its purr; a shivery sensation slid down Patience's spine. "Just to be clear, I take it you rescind absolutely all your *unjustified* claims?" He was teasing her; the light in his eyes was definitely untrustworthy. "Unreservedly," Patience snapped. "There! Now what more can you want?" "A kiss."