I touched her neck carefully, cautiously. I reminded myself that mortals were fragile, and despite Leslie's facade, she was no different. "I want to stay with you, but I can't," I whispered, and her head turned to glance into my eyes. Hers were a flashing silvery blue. I cast my eyes down, and pulled her wrist lightly to my wrist.

Leslie came closer, an irresistible invitation. I leaned in as well, almost pressing my head into her sweet, smooth throat. "Do you know what I would trade to be with you?" I murmured, not really meaning for her to hear. I couldn't tell if she had heard or not.

But then my queen's voice rang in my head, and I almost flinched, the memory was so strong. "I don't want her caught up in this world." I realized too late what I was doing, and I pulled away sharply. "Let me take you to Seth's tonight. I'll sit with you until you sleep if you want, if you'll let me," I said distantly.

"Okay," Leslie breathed. She seemed intoxicated by my presence, and I knew I shouldn't have involved myself in the mortal world. Leslie swayed, and I took her face between my hands.

"Leslie?" I asked in a low voice. Aislinn's words dissolved, and I leaned closer, inhaling her sweet scent. Our faces were millimeters apart.

"Yes. Please." Leslie's voice was breathy and high-pitched, but I couldn't regret that I had seduced yet another mortal. As long as I didn't hurt this one...

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't—" I tried to pull away, but something stronger than myself had me rooted in place. If I had to be stuck, though, this was the place to have that happen.

"I said yes," insisted Leslie. I made up my mind then, with our lips almost touching, that I would let myself want her. I wasn't going to fight what I had no chance against. All I had to do then was to move slightly forward, and I was kissing her.

This kiss was no different from any fey-to-mortal kiss I'd experienced, but somehow, it was. It was charged thickly with chemistry and euphoria on both parts. I never wanted it to end. My arms pulled Leslie to me, and we held each other tightly. Then, something blue flashed from under my eyelids. I opened my eyes, and stared straight into Leslie's open eyes. I pulled gently away, because that was what it looked like she wanted. Though our lips didn't touch. I tightened my hold on her waist. I didn't want her to go into the world of dangerous faeries and humans alike without me.

"It's okay. It'll be okay," I whispered fiercely into her ear. "I can stop. We can stop."

"Not stop," Leslie sighed. Her arms wrapped around my waist, and I had to kiss her again. She was so beautiful in the moonlight.