"Have you met Rhy?" Kell asked, with a breath of exasperation mixed in with fondness, a touch of heat. "These hallways have heard much worse."

And then Neria pressed against him, cuddling and holding close, and Kell flattened his hand, easing himself more fully into her touch. Into the press of her body against his, her warmth.

Worlds away they'd held hands whenever they spoke to each other, her body heat a welcome burn of life against his skin. This was familiar, but so much more.

Despite his words, the way she held him forestalled any thoughts of pushing them further, at least for the moment. Kell answered her touch and followed her back down to the sheets, clasping her close.