Mal only stares at Inara's hand on his arm. All of her touches since he kissed her that night by the lake had been loving, kind, sweet. This one was different - desperate. Scared.

He was scared too.

She's gotta choose for herself, I can't tell her what's fair. DOn't know what fair is for this.

Mal's face twists away from hers, only just managing to eke out, "Ain't naught else I can do, 'Nara. Ain't a part o' your world."

Mal waits for Inara to drop her hand away from his arm. He can't even sum up the will to leave while she is still touching him.