"As much as I love to but it is getting late," Elaina pointed out.
"Oh," Marus said, rubbing the back of his neck as he chuckled. "Well, maybe next time. Do you want me to walk you to your home? I haven't seen where you are staying."
"It's fine, I can walk by myself. Idon't want to disturb you any further," Elaina finished, her tone polite but a bit softer than before.
Marcus looked at her for a second.
Then he shook his head.
"No."
Elaina blinked.
"…No?"
Marcus nodded once, his expression calm but firm.
"No," he repeated. "I'm walking you home."
Elaina opened her mouth slightly, caught off guard by how direct he was.
"That's not necessary," she said. "I've been walking these streets for years. I'll be fine."
Marcus stepped a little closer, not enough to crowd her, but enough to make his point clear.
"I know you'll be fine," he said. "That's not the point."
Elaina frowned slightly.
"Then what is?"
Marcus held her gaze.
