[ Only the truth? She would call that out, she thinks, if she were not fearful that he would think she took offense to his compliments. In reality, they simply feel overmuch, like this is a happiness she does not deserve, much in the same way he feels. Instead she tries to hold the admiration he has for her within her and finds it's difficult, overwhelming, as so much of this often feels. ]

Then you honor me with your words and care, Cullen. I cannot possibly ask for more.

[ Which only means it will continue to be difficult to keep her feelings for him as muted as she can in other company. There will always be fondness for him, concern, care, and these things she can mask well enough as politeness or friendliness. They have been close for some time, enough to spark rumors already. That won't change and pretending they are not as close as they were a month ago will only arouse suspicion.

It will be a balancing act but one well worth the wait, she thinks. No matter how long it takes, she wants their time together to be important, not dogged by their responsibilities and the expectations. She smiles, leaning against the press of his hand. ]

Tortured and bound? Now you make our predicament sound cruel. I can assure you, any time we have will be worthwhile and I promise to make certain of that.

[ Neria reaches up to take his hand in both of hers, bringing his knuckles to her lips. What seems at first like an innocent gesture of devotion - and it is, initially - becomes every ounce as sly as the smirk on his face as she gives him a sidelong and heated glance from beneath her lashes, her mouth still lingering against his fingers. ]

I wouldn't promise something I couldn't keep, Cullen. Why would I want to be apart from you when we are alone?

[ Behind closed doors, neither of them should have to be restrained from being open with their affections. She turns his hand over so she can kiss his palm, allowing his hand close to her face, which she leans into just the same. ]