of reindeer and green balloons {m}

He just stared at her, shell-shocked and stunned into momentary silence, as she did her best to stammer out an awkward explanation. "No, I'm sorry," he replied when he finally gathered his wits enough to speak, squeezing his eyes shut and shaking his head vigorously. "I know better. This is my brother, for fuck's sake. My best friend." Quickly, he rose to his feet and, with completely deferent, submissive body posture, licked her chin — a display of respect from subordinate to Alpha. "I won't breathe a word of this. Perry would probably kill us both anyway."