"This is not a home, Kieran." There was no rancor in her voice, just soft words as she stilled her fingers and woke a little from the stupor. "It's a bunker underground in a city full of evil."
A palm came to her cheek, pulling her attention from his flesh to see the hungry smile in his eyes. "That is correct, little one. Nyoka is evil."
The warmth of the cord deflated and her voice fell flat, "We both know it's not that simple."
He answered her with a long slow stroke down her naked spine. "That is not the reply you would have made six months ago."
"Six months ago many good women I knew still lived; the city was not totally in shambles." Her calm began to evaporate and sadness took its place. "Six months ago I had not met you."
"And you were starving to death... hunted and tormented by your fellow citizens."
"And blissfully ignorant of just how ugly the world could be." Lyla sighed, feeling his thumb pass softly over her cheek.