As Cullen's said on occasion, there are better things Alistair can do with his mouth than offer clever rejoinders. Alistair seems to be taking that advice to heart: he could say something right now, but why bother when Cullen's neck is right there?

He tightens the embrace. Gently, he patterns circles with his fingertips along Cullen's chest; gentler still, he lets his teeth graze Cullen's pulse point on the next kiss.