The rain continues on and off for the next few days, keeping both Loki and Lilah indoors most of the time. Sometimes Lilah would go out in the rain, to walk in it and refresh, and think. Even if the rain was not of her doing, she still enjoyed the light drops caressing her skin. Loki was still silent towards her, and Lilah still didn't know what she had done wrong.

One morning, Lilah had just come back from a brisk walk in the rain, and was returning to the ruins. The rain has become heavy, and Lilah heads back to get warm and dry. Her light green dress was clinging to her skin and was almost translucent.

Just as she was walking through a door, Loki was exiting it. A collision of bodies resulted. As they pull apart, Loki takes in her state of dress, blatantly staring at her near nakedness. There was obvious approval in his emerald eyes. Lilah feels like lava and is about to melt into a puddle, when Loki suddenly pulls her into a passionate kiss. A fire burns between them as their bodies fuse together, lips seeking each other's furiously. Her heart pounds in her chest, her pulse leaping out of her skin, her breathing becoming pants. Her hands sought his body, his skin, but his leather clothing seemed to prevent her. Hands tangled in his hair, pulling him closer. Loki's hands came around her slim waist, pressing her body against his. Oh… how wonderful it was. His skin felt cold, but it did not worry Lilah. All she wanted was to be closer to him, as close as she could possibly get.

Loki's delicious lips left her own, making her want to whimper, but when they sought the sensitive flesh of her jaw line and neck, she moaned his name. Hearing his name uttered from her lips in such a way seemed to break Loki from his spell. All too soon, Loki broke away from her delicate skin. She blinked up at him, dazed and bewitched. Why had he stopped? Had something displeased him? His breathing is heavy as he gazes down at her. He seems confused, which made Lilah want to pull him to her and make it all better. But, he lets her go.

"Loki?" her voice sounds small, and vulnerable.

"Forgive me," he apologises. Loki begins to walk away from her, but she felt as if he did it reluctantly. Lilah anxiously wanted to grab him, but she guessed that he might need some space. Had he never kissed a woman before? She had never kissed a man before, yet it had been the most perfect moment ever to occur in her life. She hoped it had been just as pleasant for Loki, but guessing from his retreat she felt otherwise. Lilah was frustrated and disappointed, and a little hurt. The man needed to see some sense. Lilah was not out to hurt him, she wanted to help him, heal him, love him. Even though she had only known him for a short while, she had become completely besotted with him. If only he would let her love him.

Lilah didn't understand why Loki was avoiding her this time. Was he just toying with her emotions? She hoped not, because that would break her heart. His silent and brooding nature had got under her skin and into her heart. Deep down she knew he was not a cold-hearted man. Right now, he must be dealing with these new emotions in his own way. Lilah wanted to hold him and never let go, but Loki seemed to need time to himself and assess the situation. What a confusing man. Why couldn't they confront them together?

A little fed up with his silent ways, Lilah left her garden and went in search for Loki. Lilah was done waiting, and was going to act on her feelings. Before she lost her confidence, she walked straight up to Loki. Loki turned his head and regarded her approach. Her adrenaline kicked in as she stood before him. Don't back out now.

Loki was completely surprised when Lilah leaned up and kissed him soundly on the mouth. Desire burned through his veins and a hunger for Lilah like he'd never known. Her lips were supple and warm upon his. Usually Lilah would let him seek her out, but now she was coming to him instead. She's so beautiful. Her hands came around his neck and she pushed herself against him, gaining better access to his lips and his body. Loki groaned as she pressed her body to his. Lilah felt wonderful in his arms, and he didn't want to let go.

Just when he thought it couldn't get any better, Lilah's tongue hesitantly played with his own. She obviously wanted to take this further, and Loki was more than pleased to let her do so. Their tongues danced together, fighting for dominance. His hands slid around her waist, and cupped her bottom. A sigh escaped Lilah's lips, and Loki had never heard a more wonderful sound.

Pulling away from Lilah, he let them both have a breather. Loki stared down at this exquisite woman, marvelling at how she felt in his embrace. Her eyes had darkened, and her breathing was low. She peered up at him, her lips glistening from their kiss. Seeing her tousled and with passion in her eyes, could not stop Loki from leaning down and capturing her lips again in another kiss.

By the Gods! She tasted divine!

Lilah had begun to squirm in his arms, trying to get closer to him. It felt like she couldn't get close enough. She needed to feel him. Skin to skin. Pushing herself closer to him, she could feel something hard pressing into her belly. Had she aroused Loki? Guessing from the way his hands were roaming around her body freely, he must be. A sense of pride and accomplishment filled her. But was she ready for what would happen if they continued? Could she give herself to a man she'd only known for a couple of weeks?

Lilah pulled away from Loki, though a little reluctantly. His kisses and caresses had left her mind dazzled and bewitched. She felt like she was floating on a cloud, and nothing could spoil this sensation. Loki held her, in no hurry to let go. His hand came up to cup her cheek, studying her. "You inflame me, minx," he whispered huskily.

"Shall I go?" Lilah asked, though she knew she could not leave him now.

"No!" Loki commanded and pulled her to him. Lilah could not stop the smile that came to her face. "Perhaps a walk together will … cool me." Lilah resisted the urge to giggle. Loki offered her arm and they began to walk around her realm.

Lilah could scarcely believe how far they had come. Just a few weeks ago, Loki would not even speak with her, and now here they were, holding hands and walking together in a comfortable companionship. Lilah still felt that it may take him a while to open up to her about his past, but for now it would be enough. Her heart felt warm and full. How sensational this bond between them felt. It was more wonderful than anything she could have imagined. She hoped their connection continued to grow.