“No!” I said. “I will not have you fooling with Shadow until you are ready. It is dangerous even after you have taken the Pattern. To do it before is foolhardy. You were lucky, but do not try it again. I‘ll even help, by not telling you anything more about it.”
“All right!” she said. “Sorry. I guess I can wait”
“I guess you can. No hard feelings?”
“No. Well—” She laughed. “They wouldn‘t do me any good, I guess. You must know what you are talking about. I am glad that you care what happens to me.”
I grunted, and she reached out and touched my cheek. At this, I turned my head again and her face was moving slowly toward my own, smile gone and lips parting, eyes almost closed. As we kissed, I felt her arms slide about my neck and shoulders and mine found their way into a similar position around her. My surprise was lost in the sweetness, gave way to warmth and a certain excitement.
If Benedict ever found out, he was going to be more than just irritated with me…