While Liliana was no stranger to tragedy, loyalty was still a newer word in her lexicon, at least loyalty she could not compel with magic.

And his kiss swallowed up her retort that he needn't make it easy on her; all she had to do was be herself and she would be a constant delight to him. Especially since he was no longer constantly doing the math of what the best path forward so as to not hasten the inevitable end of it all. More smiles and laughter? Practically guaranteed.

If Liliana wasn't cheat, she still preferred to hedge her bets.

But right now, he was using his mouth for one of the few things better than smiles or laughter, kissing her soundly and deeply until she was breathless and dazed and her hunger for food was nearly forgotten. "I don't suppose you brought a blanket for us as well?" she asked, still leaning against him, reddened lips near his. "Or is this a ploy to have me straddle you in a chair again."

Liliana, you only had ten minutes.