"Oh, kotik! I brought you a present," she said as she moved to Shannon's side, leg still partially slung over his. There was no sign of the disappointment that her fun was over in her voice or face, thanks mostly to the fact that she was a damn good liar. "He is well behaved, this one."

He gave her an amused look and she slid away more as Eli walked over and took Michelle's original place straddling one of Shannon's legs, but he pushed his leg up so that Shannon could rock against it. One hand went into his hair tightly and he pulled his head back. "She says that you're well behaved, but you've forgotten your place. What are you supposed to call me?"