Krem was more than happy to kiss Adaline back, to open his mouth and slide his tongue against hers, even to press his body close to hers and map the shapes of her with slow, gentle fingers. Her offer didn't surprise him, but it brought up the worry that these things always did, the bitter discontent in his stomach.

"We don't have to," he said. He trailed the back of his nails down her stomach. "We can give it a moment and go for you a second time."