His hand was warm. Closing her eyes, she pressed against it, and willed her heart to stop beating quite so fast. Nothing was going to harm her here.

And then, Kell brought her close again and folded her into an embrace. There were no words. Neria's hands fell and then returned to his back, wrapping around him. She pressed her forehead into his shoulder and breathed him in.

Lilies.

"I'm sorry," she murmured into his coat. For the things she'd said, for the friendship that had fallen apart in that fucking place. For coming now, when she had not intended it, and knowing she had probably changed things again. Her grip tightened. "I've missed you so much."