"Sorry," Gabriel told her quickly. "That became very serious." His hand moved and covered hers purposely this time, the sort of gesture he had rarely been able to make in public with Tracey where they might have been seen. "The way in which I said it all was unkind and I understand if you are uncomfortable around me."
He withdrew his hand, though he was loathe to rescind the contact. "Tell me to leave if you wish me to go. I will not bother you."