The low, soft noise shivered through him, and all sense of hesitation shattered.

It was fast, but in some sense, they'd been waiting to do this far longer than they should have. Kell held no doubt that Neria would stop him if they pressed too far. Trusted her -- far more than he had those in the past.

It didn't have to mean anything, but it did.

As Neria pressed closer, Kell enveloped her in his arms, opening up and tearing down what little walls remained between them, laying himself open for her. Letting her as close as she liked.

She would need to breathe before he did.