After a few moments, he pulled away from me, smiling softly at me as he got to his feet, reaching out for my hand to help pull me up. "Let's go up to our room," he suggested, his blue eyes shining with affection.

I nodded, allowing him to tug me gently upwards until we were both standing up, and then he took hold of both of my hands in his as he led me up the stairs, turning back occasionally to smile reassuringly at me as we went. He continued to lead me upstairs, stopping outside the room and letting go of my hands as he entered the room first,...