Hermione opened her mouth to protest, but Loki hushed her by bringing his hand to cup her cheek. His thumb brushed against her parted lips, and he swallowed back the desire to kiss her even then. "I do not touch you to show ownership or dominance over you, Hermione," he explained calmly, his voice a soft whisper. "No, my love... I touch you out of respect and adoration. My presence, my touch, it grounds you. It pulls you back from the edge that you so precariously teeter upon during your emotional outbursts." He sighed then, hanging his head so that their foreheads could touch. "But if you wish me to keep my hands to myself, then I shall do as you ask."