With his shirt finally undone, Iris was able to slide her arm beneath it, over his bare skin, to hold him. His apology, the second one in such a short amount of time, and unexpected at this particular moment, made her stop for just an instant.
“Zephyrus…” She ran her hand up his back, up his neck to rest against his cheek. “I know. If I didn’t believe you, I…..we wouldn’t be here. I’m so glad you came back. I do need you….you have to know that, right?” She was looking into his eyes again, seeking some comfort in how he looked at her.