She held her Maiden Card in her hand and tapped her foot, hazel eyes narrowing over Elm. “That was excessive.” He let out a broken laugh, then surged forward. Catching Ione’s face between his palms, Elm leaned over, crashed his mouth against hers, kissed her feverishly. “I’m sorry. I should have gone with you. I’m not clever at all. I’m sorry—I’m sorry.”
