"You're not like other men your age," she murmured after a long silence, voice rough with spent pleasure. There was genuine surprise in the words and something almost like awe. "I thought… I thought you would be quick. Eager. Finished in minutes." A small, breathless laugh escaped her. "I was wrong."
Jake's hand stroked slowly down her back, soothingly.
"I told you," he said quietly against her hair.
"I like to take my time."
Sera was quiet for a moment, still catching her breath.
Then she tilted her head to look up at him, something new and thoughtful in her expression.
"I'm beginning to understand that," she said softly.
Outside, the port town settled into its evening quiet. Inside the small room, the lamp burned low, and two bodies lay tangled together in the aftermath of something far more consuming than either had expected.
Sera's fingers traced idle patterns on Jake's chest, her body still humming.
Jake held her close.
*
When he woke the next morning, he was alone.
