Cassandra laughed. It was cruel. In fact, it was damn near the closest Cassandra had come to a genuine laugh in a good, long while. "If we were supposed to ask permission for that, I should apologize for taking liberties earlier." Lightly, she brushed her fingertips against his cheek, where she had kissed him before.

She was reminded, rather suddenly, of Cris. Of all people. He had once asked for permission to kiss her. She had toyed with him a bit more than she ever knew she was capable of toying with anyone. A riddle. Yes, she had made him answer a riddle before giving her a kiss.

Somehow, that seemed like an absurd formality with Apollo.

She nodded.