Nothing.
Just as he was about to head toward the front door, he suddenly heard a faint sound coming from the kitchen.
He froze.
Then immediately turned and walked quickly toward the sound. The moment he stepped into the kitchen, he came to an abrupt halt.
Amara was standing there by the counter, quietly making coffee.
Relief hit his face so clearly it was impossible to miss.
His shoulders visibly loosened as he let out a low breath he probably did not even realize he had been holding.
“Amara…” he said softly.
Hearing him, she glanced at him briefly over her shoulder before turning back toward the coffee machine.
“Yeah?”
Elias steadied his breathing and slowly walked toward her.
When he reached her, his arms slipped around her waist from behind without hesitation, pulling her back gently against his chest.
Before she could react, he lowered his head onto her shoulder, his face resting against the side of her neck.
His warm breath brushed against her ear.
“I miss seeing you around the house,” he murmured softly. “How about we go to your place, pick up your luggage, and bring it back home?”
His arms tightened slightly around her waist.
“You can settle back into the bedroom. I’ll even arrange an extra closet for you.”
Amara immediately shifted her shoulder, trying to get away from the ticklish feeling of his lips brushing near her ear.
She pushed against his chest lightly. “Elias, stop.”
But instead of letting her go, he moved even closer.
“I’m not coming back to this house,” she said firmly. “This is your house. Why would I bring my luggage here?”
“What’s mine is yours,” Elias replied instantly, his voice low and stubborn. “Stop saying this is my house. It’s our house.”
His chin rested briefly on her shoulder before he continued, “So let me go with you and bring your things back here., okay?
Amara sighed in frustration.
“Elias, I’m just trying to drink my coffee before leaving. Stop making things difficult.”
She tried pushing him away again and finally stepped out of his arms.
But the moment she moved too quickly, a sharp pain suddenly shot through her lower back again.
Her breath caught instantly.
“Ah—”
She bent forward slightly, her hand flying to the counter for support as she winced hard.