Thor caught the tension in her stance as she spoke about her parents. Maybe it was something she was ashamed of. "So, your mother was a sorceress. Did she teach you anything?"
Her eyes saddened. "I never met her. She died in childbirth."
Thor's chest squeezed. "I'm sorry." Dammit, why was he being so nosy?
"Me too."
"Who taught you to fight? And how did they learn the Asgardian style?"
She gave him a weak smile. "You know I've kind of had a long day, and I'm rather tired. Do you mind if we continue this lesson a different day?"
"Of course," Thor said, attempting to keep the disappointment from his voice.
Guilt washed through him. Go slow, that’s what Frigg had said. Thor had pushed her further than she was comfortable, but his curiosity couldn't be curbed. He wanted to know everything about her.
A million questions blasted through Thor's mind, but in the end, he only came to one conclusion- there was something she was hiding from him. Something that scared her. Something she didn’t want anyone to know. But how many of the other immortals in Helheim couldn’t say they were running from something? Not many. He needed to let it go.
She watched him intently and bit her lower lip, making his body heat. He remembered the feel of her in his arms. Her heated skin. The shallow breaths she took at his touch. He wanted to feel that again. Wanted to taste her berry-colored lips. Wanted to run his hands through her soft, long tresses and cradle her against him. His need to protect and worship her became all-consuming. His jeans grew tight around him, and he turned from her enticing gaze and gulped down his water. He needed to get it together. He was supposed to be teaching her to defend herself, not hit on her like a bar wench.
Elle walked off the mats shakily and went over to pet Tanngrisnir and Tanngnjóstr. The heat in Thor’s eyes had almost been more than she could bear. It had made her want to throw herself against him and feel his solid arms around her again. She needed to stop. Needed to get it together. He was helping her. Being nice to her, and that’s all it could be between them. Nothing more. No matter how beautiful his icy blue eyes were. Or how he filled out a leather coat perfectly. Or how he smelled of leather and metal. A scent that back on Muspelheim she would have hated. But on him it was utterly enthralling.
Thor joined her, took her empty water bottle, and tossed it in the trash.
Now. Now is when I should tell him who I am. He deserves to know.
But for the first time in her long life, she actually felt cared for, peaceful, and safe. She didn't want to ruin that. What would happen if she told him?
Her hands shook, and her stomach growled so loud everyone in Helheim had probably heard it. She grabbed her stomach as it cramped.
"Odin's beard," said Thor. "When was the last time you ate, woman?"
Elle thought for a moment. "I'm not much of a cook. I ate cereal before my shift started."
Thor shook his head. "This morning? The last time you ate was this morning? You're lucky you haven't passed out by now. I should have realized. I'm sorry. Let me grab you dinner."
"You don't need to. I have food in my loft."
"Cereal?" His eyebrow cocked upward.
Busted. "I like cereal." She'd bought a dozen different kinds at the mortal store on Midgard. She liked the one with the leprechaun on it best. She always saved the little marshmallows for last. She liked the one that tasted like chocolate and peanut butter, too.
"Well, you need more than cereal to keep you going at Frigg's place. And fending off those jerks you have to deal with. Let me take you to my favorite place to eat down here."
Part of her wanted to go, but a larger part of her swirled with guilt. She was lying to Thor on purpose, and she didn't want to. She wanted to be honest with him. Tell him everything. Maybe he would be okay with it. Maybe he would want to protect her from her father… But what if he didn’t? What if instead of looking at her like she was fascinating, he looked at her with rage, disgust, and loathing? She wasn’t sure her heart could handle it. Not after everything she’d been through.
"Not tonight," she said finally.
Thor nodded. "Rain check?"
She thought for a moment, trying to process his words. "We need to check for rain?"
"No. A rain check means a different day."
Why? "Oh. Yes. A rain check then."
Thor stared at her for a moment and motioned her forward. "Let's get you to your cereal."
They walked to the Raven Weaver in silence. Elle's conscience screamed at her for not telling him. The whole walk, she had tried to psych herself up, but as the words presented themselves on her tongue, she couldn't. Something inside stopped her.
