It would have been easy enough to argue his social integration protocol, the programmed instinct for self-preservation, or even the urge to seek novelty as the cause for following Aphrodite's whims. The truth was that it was some combination of all three and still not the entire picture. Her body was firm against his and her fingers were sending pleasurable waves through his hair and his scalp as they stroked and tugged, and he was yielding.

Connor continued following her lead, his hand combing through her hair and down her slim neck. "At the risk of sounding gauche, this is the first time I've done this."