Booker knew he was being teased but he wouldn't be surprised if there was a kernel of truth in Nicky's words. The last time they had really fooled around was almost a hundred years ago. Damn, he had wallowed for a long time.

"You forgot? I'm wounded." He began to moved them slowly towards shallower water. To make Nicky feel more comfortable and it would be easier to make out if he had mostly solid pool under his feet. "Though if you forgot it must not have been that good."

He mouthed at Nicky's neck with a gentle drag of teeth and a broad swipe of his tongue against his pulse. "Tell me if I've improved."