Maya listened as Lex explained and demonstrated, taking mental notes and committing it to memory, though the true test of course would be in application. It didn't seem too difficult, though, and it relaxed her even more to know that he would guide her in the moment, too. The last thing she wanted to do was hurt him (she had seen grown men crumple and cry when hit between the legs!), and she wanted it to be good for him, as good for him as it was for her.
Then his tone shifted, more serious, and she met his eyes as he told her to speak up.
And said those four words that made the world stop.
I love you, Maya.
In her head, everything went quiet, except for those words echoing in her mind. Had he said that? Had he really said that, or had she misheard? But what about Karis, the rather doomed love of his life? The one he said he would always love, and would love no others. Her head reeled, her breath stilled, and her blood rushed in her ears, rumbling like thunder. She was still frozen when he pulled her into a heated kiss, and she melted into it, her belly fluttering like so many butterfly wings, her body hot all over.
I love you, Maya.
He broke the kiss at last, and Maya looked up at him, lips parted and breathless, cheeks warm, and green eyes shining brightly. She tried to speak, but something caught in her throat, and it took a second try to force it out. "I promise," she whispered, and pulled him into another fierce kiss. "Do I seem the sort to be quiet about anything? Of course I'll speak up."
But it was good for him to tell her, otherwise she might not have thought to do so.
She kissed him again, hands cupping his face, and then kissed his neck and jaw, over and over. "I love you," she said. "I didn't want to say it. I was keeping it inside. But I do." She had just been so afraid to admit it, afraid of his attachment to Karis, afraid of getting hurt.