Distraction II

"Well, working hours are over but that doesn't earn you the right to correct me as you please."

"I am sorry," Elma said softly, hoping that would placate his irritated mood.

"I hate it when you apologize like that," Riccardo said with a frown. "I can't even remember what it was I wanted to say before."

"I— I am sorry," Elma tried to sound as cordial as she possibly could.

"I know this is where you live, but where are you running off to?" Riccardo spoke softly.

Elma could feel her brows thickening as she listened to his voice. His eyes hovered over her face for nothing less than a heartbeat, but it was the kind of scare that did something to her. His was tight, gripping, and hard. So hard that it left her knuckles frozen on the door handle. Swallowing soft, she muttered a weak-sounding, "Inside." She peeled her eyes from him.

"Home, you mean?" Riccardo questioned.

"Yes," She told him, "Home." She started for the door.