Monty held her tightly, his arms wrapped around her. Her back pressed against his chest, he kissed at her neck and shoulder. As his tongue flicked out slighty to lap against her skin, he slipped a hand down between her legs.

"Let me go," she gasped abruptly, and he released her immediately. She stepped away from him and he looked on in concern.

"Sibella? What happened, what did I do?" he asked, wanting to apologise for whatever he had done and make it right.

"It's not you, it's... Lionel he... I don't want..." She took a deep breath to collect herself. "I'm sorry, I can't do this tonight, not after this past weekend with him." Though she tried to repress it, he saw the slight shudder she gave.

"You needn't apologise, my love. We don't have to do anything if you don't want to."

"Ha! I never hear that at home," she laughed bitterly.

"If you want to be alone, I'll go," he said softly.

"No," she turned to face him. "Stay." She sat down on the bed, and he joined her hesitantly after a moment.

"May I hold you?" he whispered. She nodded in response, and leaned into him. He wrapped his arms around her and pressed a kiss to her forehead, holding her tightly so that she felt safe and secure.