"Wait, please." Hermia's hand shot forward before she could think better of it, her brain regaining some semblance of control just in time to avoid grabbing the stunning gentleman by the arm. "I - forgive me. I did not mean to be rash." His last words stung to the core. Couldn't he feel the pull the way she did? How were his eyes anywhere but her? She felt nearly whole in his presence, so close to complete. "We have met before, sir, but I confess I do not know your name." It was too forward, too rash, but she didn't regret the words as she spoke them. She would know this man.

---