Ocean's Breath Plateau how long can you hold your breath?

he mouthed her name, the sound of it the barest breath from his lips. marie. then she asked his own name, and govinda hesitated--for what was govinda but a rejection of his former self, the man entranced by flesh? govinda couldn't--wouldn't--give in to temptation. it would be a betrayal of everything that hari had given him. . .a new chance, a fresh start.

"vishal," he answered, remembering how earth-grounded and insatiable his uncle had been. that fit much better; assuaged the guilt, at least. she smelled like things ancient as the sea--of life and death, the sweetness of desire. he inhaled and let out a tremulous sigh, turning his golden gaze toward her again.

"you are beautiful, marie," he continued, and felt something stir within him.