Yet, in this matter, she trusted Nikanj completely. It was enjoying itself with Joseph. It would not spoil its enjoyment by hurting him or rushing him. In a perverse way, Joseph too was probably enjoying himself, though he could not have said so. Lilith was dozing when Nikanj stroked Joseph’s shoulders, rousing him. His voice roused her. “What are you doing?” he demanded. “Waking you.” “I wasn’t asleep!” Silence.
