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“Never.” He took her hands in his, resting them on her knees. “I will never give up on you Nell. Look how far you’ve come. I have no doubt that one day, you’ll be ready. And as long as you want me, I’ll be there with you.”

“I want to be with you,” Nell whispered. “I’m just not ready.” Her fingers intertwined with his.

“I can wait. I’ve spent most of my life pretending I didn’t need anyone,” he said.

“Why?”

“Because needing someone meant they could leave at any moment.”

“Your brother,” Nell murmured. “And now?” she asked. “You know I’m not going to leave you.”

He looked down at their hands, then slowly squeezed her fingers. “You want honesty and my raw emotions. I’m terrified of losing you. I need you, and I’m not as strong of a person as you are.”

She leaned forward, resting her forehead against his. “That’s not a weakness. And I’m not strong.”

Their breath mingled in the space between them. He reached up, cupping the side of her face. At first, his touch was tentative. She leaned into his caress. When he kissed her, it wasn’t about hunger. He poured his soul into the kiss, filling it with trust and devotion.

Nell’s comm beeped, signaling an incoming vid call. They jumped apart, startled by the intrusion. “Oh shit. It’s Charlotte. Do I look okay?”

“Aside from your lips being swollen from my kiss, you look fine.” Maklr winked. He handed her a mug. “Here.”

Nell quickly took a sip of the steaming tea. She held the mug to her lips and answered Charlotte’s call.

“Nell! Is everything okay? You didn’t answer my messages or calls. How come?”

“I was busy last night.”

“Busy?”

“Yes, you sent me to this resort to relax. I was.”

“How are things going with Maklr?” Charlotte asked. “He’s not interrupting your relaxation, is he?”

“Better than I expected,” Nell said.

“He’s being a complete gentleman, right?”

“Of course.”

“See, I told you there was nothing to worry about with him.”

“I know.”

“Want the truth?”

“Huh?”

“I’ve worked with him a long time, and he’s never taken an interest in anyone outside of work related relationships. I knew you’d be safe with him.”

Maklr gestured for Nell’s attention. He made a motion as if he were fishing.

“So, Maklr doesn’t like people?”

Charlie sighed. “I don’t know. But he’s harmless.”

“I wouldn’t say that,” Nell said. “I think, given the right circumstances, he could be a very passionate man.”

“If you say so.”