Her hands clung tightly to his.

Lane divined something of her agitation from the feel of her slender form.

And then again that deep and profound thrill ran over him.

It was followed by an instinct to wrap her in his arms, to hold her, to share her trouble and to protect her.
Strong reserve force suddenly came to Mel.

She drew away from Lane, still quivering, but composed.
"Daren, all my life I'll thank you and bless you for that offer," she said, very low.