Angelica couldn't prevent a little scowl from flashing across her face at that rather unhelpful statement. He was going to make this difficult, which she should already have anticipated. If she wanted any chance at orchestrating her own path forward, she would have to lead him on this uncomfortable journey. Taking the sofa, she considered him carefully before deciding to drive ahead. "Then you are still my Caro, if you'll allow it." She rested her hands in her lap, exerting great effort to keep from fidgeting. "I need an answer to a different question before we continue." She took her time looking up for his eyes. There were many things she could endure if he would have her, but his revelation last night had her reexamining everything that transpired. "Were you and I to be something more, I would hope you would find some fondness in your heart for me." She asked as clear as she could, steady as she could offer a question that made her chest squeeze. "Do you - have any true affection for me? Have I previously made you happy?" Fine, it was two questions, but she had to know her pirate was still present, despite his forced nonchalance.

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