Her natural reaction would have been to tease him. 'Wouldn't that mean you got some rest for a change?' 'Are you saying I'm loud?' She could have made any number of remarks to lighten the mood. But it seemed cheap somehow, and irreverent. It also might make it difficult for him to truly and sincerely express himself in the future if she made light of him now.

"My apologies," she decided instead, smiling softly as she closed her eyes and circled his middle with both of her arms. "I won't let it happen again."

He felt so warm. She hadn't even realized how much she'd missed this, despite being ignorant of the passing of time. It felt as if it had been ages since she remembered the strength of his embrace, or the scent of his musk. Perhaps they could stay like this a while longer, for she had no objections to being his prisoner for as long as he wished to keep her as his own.