But I'm pretty happy with what I have. And you are part of what I have. [would she have liked to do without the crippling loneliness and feeling like she may never be happy? absolutely. but there was nothing Vander could do to fix that and he did a lot just by being her friend. there wasn't much more that could be done.

if you asked Maria, Vander had started it when he said he thought he could convince her by misbehaving. unfortunately she had proven him right but her care hadn't started just yet so she could say they had every right to act up a bit. and Maria had always been a fan of misbehaving herself. he wasn't on his knee at least.

and she had said he could feel her up. Maria could argue she was just keeping her promise.]

Mm, leather. Comfortable enough not to be entirely cruel to you. [her voice was breathless because of the sensation of how he touched her, how his nails could dig in, and with that small bite of her lower lip. as always, things did just escalate. it was tempting to kiss him but she did hold off.] But you are right, you're injured. I shouldn't put you through so much punishment. [and then she pulls at his hair to move his head to the side, baring his neck so she can lean in to kiss the side of it softly.] I should be sweet to you since you did get hurt. You worked hard. [the kisses remain soft and gentle until her teeth scrape against the skin with her smirk.]

But you are the last person to want to be treated gently, now aren't you? [and then she bites at his neck, not too hard. not just yet.]