Elise's words made Dietrich's last shred of patience within him snap. His fingers made his way through her hair, pulling her closer to his chest.
"Sunflower, you're killing me." Elise swallowed the lump in her throat, completely unaware of the demon she had provoked as she innocently gazed into Dietrich's eyes.
"Then, die with me." Elise's words were genuine but for some reason they made Dietrich chuckle as he hid her face in his chest. "Let's get out of this place. Whatever you want after that."
"Just being clear, you're a big liar." Dietrich's chuckle was low, almost a growl, rumbling through his chest as he held Elise close. His grip on her hair tightened slightly, his other hand pressing against the small of her back, anchoring her against him. She was soft and warm, and her scent-like wildflowers and something sweeter- making his head spin.
"Liar?" he muttered, his breath hot against her ear. "I think you've got me all wrong, little one. I've never lied to you. All I've been is a coward."
Elise's heart pounded against her ribs, a frantic beat that matched the tension thrumming between them. She tried to pull back to see his face, but he kept her locked against him. The heat of his body seeped into her, making her dizzy, making her want to get lost in him despite the warning bells ringing in her mind.
"You lied," she whispered, her voice trembling but steadying with each word. "You said we'd talk. You were planning to just send me away and disappear again like six years ago."
He finally let her pull back enough to meet his gaze. His eyes were darker now, a storm brewing in the blue depths that both terrified and thrilled her. He smirked, a wicked, lopsided grin that made her shiver.
"Careful, Elise," he warned softly, his thumb brushing her lower lip. "I never lied to you. I planned to talk to you then send you away and run. Running isn't lying, little one."
But Elise wasn't backing down, not this time. She'd already come too far, crossed too many lines last night to care for one more. Her defiance was a spark in her innocent, usually submissive eyes.
"Oh! So, being a coward is fine," she dared, her chin lifting, her lips just a breath away from his. "But, not being a liar? What did liars do wrong?"
For a moment, everything hung in the balance-Dietrich's self-control, Elise's bravery, the thin line between the life they knew and the unknown they were about to plunge into. Then, with a low growl, Dietrich closed the distance, his lips crashing against hers in a fierce, possessive kiss that stole the breath from her lungs.
Elise melted against him, her hands clutching his shirt as if he were the only thing keeping her grounded. His kiss was filled with a hunger that bordered on desperation of the need that lighted six years ago that caused him to run.
She could feel his restraint slipping, the tension in his body coiling tighter, and she realized just how close he was to losing control completely.
When he finally pulled back, his breathing was ragged, his forehead resting against hers. His voice was a strained whisper.
"You don't know what you're asking for, Elise," he murmured, his fingers still tangled in her hair. "Go home. Think about it. I won't run away this time. I promise."
Elise's breath hitched, her heart racing as she stared into his eyes, she could feel her strength of thinking fading away as she nodded to Dietrich's words, trying to pull away from him still trying to catch her breath.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
"Mr. Wolvine, this is Julian. We couldn't find a cab. I've brought my car to drive Miss. Elise home." Dietrich's eyes flicked to the door, his body stiffening at the interruption of the intercom.
His hold on Elise loosened, but the tension in his muscles remained, a reminder of how close he had been to losing himself in her. He didn't want to let her go, not now, not after everything that had just passed between them. But he knew he had to.
She needed time. He needed time. They needed time.
"Looks like your ride's here," he muttered, his voice still husky from the kiss, his gaze never leaving Elise's face. "Go on."
Elise's cheeks flushed, a mix of frustration and something more, something deeper. She could feel the burn of his words, the promise behind them. Her hands dropped from his shirt, fingers trailing over the fabric as she reluctantly stepped back, her eyes still locked on his.
She knew this was her chance to walk away, to think, to decide. But the way he looked at her, with a hunger that matched her own, despite knowing the fact that everything between them was wrong.
"Okay," she whispered, her voice barely audible, "but you better not run this time, Dietrich."
A shadow of a smile tugged at his lips, though his eyes were serious, intense. "It seems you are done calling me brother, Elise."
With a final, lingering look, Elise turned and headed toward the door, her heart pounding in her chest, each step heavier than the last. She could feel his eyes on her back as her hand made contact with the door to push it open.
"Elise." Dietrich's final call made Elise's head snap around as she stared at him in confusion while his footsteps echoed in the room.
It wasn't long before Elise's rabbit-like body was caged between his bear-like body and the door. "If I find you looking at any other guys after the drama you just pulled… Just know, they are going to die a very slow painful death. I don't like people touching what's mine."
Dietrich opened the door, making Elise stumble backward as his hand grabbed her arm, steadying her. His eyes making contact with Julian.
"Make sure she reaches home safely, Julian. And, if you find her ex make sure to hit him and run. I'll handle the rest." Dietrich's words made both Elise and Julian snap their heads in the direction of Dietrich's nonchalant face.
"You're crazy…"