[ That seemed to jolt something in Reign, he opened his mouth, closed it, then tried again. ]

I had thought to give you some space to explore on your own. I didn't want to be too overbearing when you might need some time alone.

[ Especially with Shell coming from that particular time. But perhaps Reign had neglected the fact that Shell would want to depend on him, that Reign would still yearn to seek him out. ]

So I—

[ Reign sucked in a quick breath at the sudden closeness, felt the heat of Shell's breath against his lips. Oh, how easy it would be to lean it and capture those tempting lips. He missed it. If things hadn't ended the way it did, would he and Shell have had a chance? ]

I do, Shell. [ He said as he leaned into Shell's palm, reaching his own up to touch Shell's hand, squeezing gently. ] But is this all right with you? [ Was this right? Reign didn't know, not when Shell's pheromones was clouding his senses, the rational part of his mind. ]