[He should like to think that he is strong of mind β if through stubbornness alone. But even Stephen will admit that his eyes remain fixed on her form, as though encouraged to stay there by the lull of her voice, the subtle sway of her movements. It is not so much seduction as it feels like heβsβ¦ off, off-balance, off-kilter, and a hand comes up briefly to his head, eyes closing.]
Youβd like that, wouldnβtβ¦
[Words trail off. Wouldnβt you? But they stick on his tongue, which suddenly feels more sluggish, or like words are as heavy as stones.
He is aware, at least, enough of whatβs happening here. That this is an outside influence, hers, an attempt to achieve the same with him as she did with that guard moments ago.]
no subject
Youβd like that, wouldnβtβ¦
[Words trail off. Wouldnβt you? But they stick on his tongue, which suddenly feels more sluggish, or like words are as heavy as stones.
He is aware, at least, enough of whatβs happening here. That this is an outside influence, hers, an attempt to achieve the same with him as she did with that guard moments ago.]
Stop.