"I..." she gulped, "You're lying..."
Thorndyke's expression darkened, his grip on Gwen's chin tightening ever so slightly. A muscle ticked in his jaw, a flicker of annoyance crossing his face, "Lying?"
He stepped closer, the heat from his body pressing against her, "You think I'm capable of lying about my feelings? Especially to you?"
He reached out, his other hand gently cupping her cheek, his thumb tracing the delicate line of her jaw. The intensity of the moment was palpable, and she found herself caught between the urge to move closer and push him away.
"Yes," she finally managed to say, her voice cracking slightly. "You've given me no reason to believe you. You are my enemy for fuck's sake, Thorndyke."
Thorndyke's jaw clenched visibly as he processed her words. Despite the obvious anger in his expression, his thumb continued to brush against her cheek, the touch both gentle and possessive.
