"Do so, my love. I will join you shortly." Although there was a note of kindness in Edmond's voice, he did not turn to face Maxie. And for a moment, it seemed as though Maxie would not have his attention at all, when Edmond noticed just how close he was, and how his perfectly white hand was now in view.

Such beauty... such perfection... how could it even be human?

His gaze was fixed on it, on the long fingers, on the flawless nails, on the subtle patterns of splendidly woven lines... He could not resist brushing his own hand against it for a moment, then shifting to place a slow, passionate kiss on it, one that eventually ended up involving his front teeth lightly scraping against the soft flesh.

"How are the two of you, Maxie?" he asked when he was done, breathing warm air against his skin.