"Monsieur -" Eponine tried to yank her hand away from Marius' grip, thoroughly frightened by his tone.

"Let me go! Let me GO! Let me go or I shall scream."

She couldn't believe she said it, and she clapped her hand over her mouth as soon as the words were said. How had it gone wrong? Why was he so angry? She tried pleading, begging him again.

"Monsieur... Monsieur, do not be angry with me. Please, do not be angry. Please. Only..."

She couldn't finish. Her voice caught in her throat and she choked. She just - she wanted him so much. SO much. He had been the one light in her terrible life for so long - just once. One kiss. One loving embrace.

"I can be as much a lady as her. You know i'm clever. I can learn."

She blinked, hard, to get rid of the tears threatening to fall.