It's not as though she relies heavily on the submission-dominance game to get off, but she's used it to take the edge. Controlling every encounter with people who don't live as close to her heart was importat, felt vital. She needed that control, because sharing her vulnerability with others outside of Raleigh nowadays feels wrong.

But when she kisses him, she doesn't want to just do it as prelude to them using each other for physical gratification. She wants to melt into every kiss, and touch. When he pulls her closer, she drowns a whimper against his lips, and nips at his lower lip a little ungently.

On perfect timing, the kettle goes off so loudly that it makes Mako jump a little, and then laugh at her jumpiness.

"No tea is fine," she murmurs between tender little kisses. "More kissing is better." Then, to make sure: "Yes?"