Lucien's jaw tightened.
For a terrifying second, he looked as though he might give in to whatever reckless impulse was burning between them.
Then he stepped back.
The sudden distance felt colder than the winter air outside.
"Enough."
The single word struck Elian harder than any shout.
Lucien dragged a hand through his dark hair and turned away from him, his shoulders rigid.
"You are emotional, exhausted, and angry," he said. "And I am in no condition to make reasonable decisions."
Elian stared at him in disbelief.
"So that's it?" he asked quietly.
Lucien laughed once, but there was no humor in it.
"No. That's precisely the problem."
Silence settled between them.
For the first time, neither of them seemed willing to fill it.
Finally, Lucien faced him again.
"You should hate me, Elian."
The words landed heavily.
"And yet," Lucien continued, "every time I think I've pushed you away, I find you standing right where I left you."
Elian's chest tightened.
