He was staring down at her with an expression that could only be described as expectant, hopeful, pleading. Nothing he desired more in that moment was for her to reciprocate, to declare her love for him. This wasn't the first time in the twenty years that they'd been in constant close quarters that she witnessed what she was seeing. For a man who could be mysterious and secretive when it suited his purposes, there were times when he was alone with her that he couldn't tell a single lie. The truth was always splashed across his handsome face. She couldn't bear to break his heart, not again. It was better that she remain silent or change the subject than to tell him a lie.