See, that's kind of it. I do think Mal loves Inara, that's never been a question for me. Mal respects Inara as a person, but not as a professional. Inara would never ask Mal to give up being a captain, Mal Mal would expect-demand-that she give up being a Companion. To Mal, Inara is a woman who could do better than being a whore, and that's the only way he'll see her profession. To Inara, however, it's all about the art and the sanctuary and companionship she gives people. The sex is just a nice addition. I think Inara would give that up for Mal, and not regret doing so, but I don't think she'd ever really be happy because Mal would never see it as her giving something up for him, but as his having rescued her.