But when she told him of her pains and how they would most surely last for at least a few days, he had blanched at first, pulling his hands back as if stung. Only seconds later he realised his mistake and placed both hands around her navel, bending down and placing soft kisses on her stomach. It was a strange and warm affection that ran through her body but she embraced it, tugging his head up to her lips where she welcomed him like any other time. She had arched her back to offer him access to her breasts but when his hands grazed her nipples she had gasped at the tenderness in them.