He seemed to have more control than she did over the situation, which was alarming as a whole but good in this moment. He wasn't going to pressure her further, she realized, which may allow her time to figure out how to vocalize what she wanted and didn't want without stumbling or giving into his efforts. It was ridiculous how she, a young woman who claimed a great amount of willpower, could be rendered so helpless against his advances! Maybe she was a harlot.

When he pulled back, she could see that he was much calmer than she was. The moment she reached up to brush away a stray strand of hair, her palm brushed her heated face. "I-I suppose wa-walking would be good. Yes," she stammered, looking up at him shyly. She allowed him to lead her forward, but she wasn't even sure if he was actually leading her towards the floo or if he'd found his own path to take them on.

By the time they'd reached another corner, Bella felt confident that she could voice what she really wanted.

"I should probably be getting home. I don't need a search party on my case. Witch Weekly would have a field day with that story; imagine the headlines," she joked, trying to incorporate humor into her tone so he might not take it personally or be disappointed.