If this were really "part of the job," then it shouldn't feel so personal, so delicate. And for some reason, Claire realizes her eyes are closed throughout the duration of the kiss. As if she's enjoying it. As if it were real. When she opens her eyes, to her surprise, Gabriel Tan's eyes are closed, too. His lips feel so…Claire could not describe it. It's utterly weird. Weird and…and good at the same time. Great, actually, not just good. And in those three seconds their lips are entwined, Claire has a good, close look at the man everyone regards as "the monster." Gabriel doesn't seem to be as people make him out to be. He looks fine, angelic even. And he feels—and tastes—good.
Suddenly, Gabriel's eyes open, and even as he pulls her away from him, severing the connection, he says, "Don't enjoy that too much. It's part of your job."
