She sighs out the word quietly, a low and surprised breath, and it's as great a triumph as a standing ovation. Maybe more so, because she's not pulling away and she hasn't made any kind of biting remark. Instead she's still warm and pliant and poised in his arms.

He's given her something, and she's accepted it in perfect trust.

Now that he thinks about it, she's always been reliable with his secrets.

His arm tightens around her slightly; his other hand, which supported her through the lift, flattens gently against her thigh. And he can't help himself--he has to kiss the exposed curve of her throat, soft and slow.