It was unavoidable, now. The understanding that the Malnosso had indeed done something to her. She'd alluded to speaking more frankly, but he had never anticipated this level of honesty. It wasn't simple factual honesty; it seemed to slice down into the woman's soul. He felt selfish for staying. He felt worse for wanting to know more about her, and wondered if she would forgive him for not jumping up and running away until she had control of her tongue.

"Why is that? I'm no gentleman. You know it." Just like Edward.