"I knew that we would feel closer because of it. I'm not sure how. And it just came on from you, I believe. You make me react in ways I cannot predict." He continued stroking her head.

"I do feel closer, satiated, at peace."

"That is just what I wanted for you, şekerim. I wouldn't do it if I knew it would hurt you. In a way, it was to mark you."

He squeezed her more tightly to him and they rested until Liliana woke up and needed to be changed. After that, they slept ...