Benedict is a virgin. Perhaps that is one of the reasons he is so hesitant with her: he doesn't know what he's doing. He isn't entirely sure if Ninon is aware of his lack of experience, either. Once upon a time, she asked him if he had a lover currently, and he had truthfully told her that he hadn't, but he also hadn't elaborated and said that he had never had a lover.

At this point, he feels like he cannot confess, things have gone too far. Either they will never lie together before their lives part ways, or he will have to keep silent about his own inexperience simply for the sake of his dignity.

She pulls herself closer, her hands on his chest, and Benedict sinks into her kiss, forgetting to pay attention to the rest of the world around them as he half-turns them both so he can trap her between the wall and his body, one arm leaving her waist to brace against the wall he is not crushing her.