*would flush hotly with the shame, but all of the blood is draining inward, leaving him chilled and numb*
*drops his empty hands to his lap, but just as quickly pulls his arms in against his abdomen, tucking his hands against his sides* *shakes his head tightly to hide a shudder* [I—] *as his voice cracks, grabs his coffee cup almost compulsively and wets his mouth* *breathes* *does not look at you* [I have no excuse, my lord. (No mercy.)]