I stared at her, seeing the firelight catching the glints of gold and red in her hair. Her skin was painted bronze in its light and her mouth was slightly open, the lips soft and wet and her teeth were white behind them. Despite her sharp tongue and abrupt manner I suddenly realised how lonely she was, and how desperate for someone to be close to. She was staring at me, almost pleading for understanding, and I leaned forward slowly. I expected her to pull back but she did not, and a moment later I pressed my lips on hers.

For a moment she did nothing and then her arms...