That look -- it drops something heavy and hot straight to the bottom of Pearl's belly. She swallows, throat suddenly dry, and covers it up by taking a long sip of her tea.

"Well, in that case. Who am I to deny you?" It comes out a hair less wry than she intends. Rose's hands are so very firm on her legs, the deliberation of her touch sending a little shiver of a thrill through Pearl, even with the towel between Rose's skin and hers. It's almost too much: the look, the hands, the impossibility of even thinking about extricating herself -- she goes tense for a moment, shoulders hunching, and has to consciously make herself relax back against the armrest. Which is ridiculous, because by god, Rose isn't even doing anything.