It was almost like a game of chicken they had been playing, up until this point. Who could come the closest without actually doing it? Who would break first? Once their lips touched, though, it didn't matter who had started the kiss. Ben kissed her fully, using the hands he'd placed on her jawline to encourage her lips to part enough to make way for his tongue. There was some hesitation he thought he detected, but she seemed to pick up on it quickly enough, and once she did she was bolder and more adventurous than Ellory had been. Maybe that was just the alcohol he'd plied her with beforehand, but maybe he had been right about her; maybe she was different than every other rich pureblood girl.

When he broke away he left one hand where it was on her face, but let the other slide down to her back to hug her close to him. "It's not very nice to call me short," he said with a glance at her eyes. "Maybe you're too tall, for a girl."