Henri’s smile was still breathless. “Dieu, ma chere.” He exhaled and blinked a few times. For a moment, he considered taking back his earlier hesitation. He could tell her just how much he wanted her, and ask if he might take her at her word - and she would say yes, he was almost sure of it.

But it was that very certainty that convinced him to keep his thoughts to himself. Just being here with him, Sybil had tossed away the conventions of her world, and though she had done so freely and happily, he knew that regret could creep up easily on a person. What was easy to ignore in a moment of passion could haunt someone come morning.

Instead, he cupped her cheek and kissed her softly. The pendant he had given her rested between her breasts, and seemed to give out a warm glow of its own. Henri was sure he had never seen anything so beautiful. “Happy Christmas,” he whispered.