He laughed at her pretended outrage. "Ah lass, somehow I think you're not as innocent as you'd have me believe."
He puffed his chest out at her praise, even though he knew she was having him on. The thought flickered quickly through his mind that he was grateful that there still could be nights like this, despite everything going on around them in the castle, and in their world.
Returning his attention to Parvati, he quirked his brow at her. "Strong and manly, eh? Well, since you put it so nicely, I suppose I'll have to trust you."
He sat all the way back, reluctantly releasing her hands and leaning against the arm across from her, so that they were facing each other from opposite ends of the couch.