Elise instinctively took a step back, feeling completely unnerved by his intense, unreadable stare.
She turned her head away, unable to meet his eyes, and explained in a quiet, rushed voice.
"My parents suddenly said they wanted to come see me today... They just stopped by here on their way. They only wanted to say a quick hello..."
Before she could finish her weak excuse, Rhett cut her off, his voice flat. "It's late. I'll take you back."
Elise stared at him, hurt and disbelief washing over her. "Are you really... kicking me out at this hour?"
The man's brow furrowed slightly, his sharp features looking even more pronounced and cold under the stark living room lights. He didn't say another word.
He just looked at her.
Suddenly, Elise felt a crushing wave of sadness.
She closed the door and stepped forward, wrapping her arms around his waist and burying her face in his solid chest.
