Alexei laughed softly, and even that sounded somewhat sing-song. He scooped Shiloh into his arms effortlessly. "I think I'll take my time," he said instead, humming a soft, unfamiliar tune.

He carried Shiloh upstairs easily but paced himself, going much slower than he needed to. He was drawing it out, but he enjoyed it.

They had all night. There was no need to rush anything.

Kapoodles