"Hit me." the words tore from my throat before I could stop them.
His eyes flickered as a storm of emotions crossed his face; shock, disbelief, and reluctance, but he didn't move. I could see the hesitation and the quiet refusal burning behind his eyes.
"Hit me," I repeated, voice breaking. I was desperate at this point. "I need to feel something. Anything."
When he still didn't move, frustration exploded inside me. I shoved him hard, the force surprising even myself. "Hit me, Elias. Now!"
He caught my wrists, steadying me with a gentleness that only made my anger flare hotter. I didn't want to be held gently, I didn't want him trying to protect me or trying to be stubborn, I wanted him to hit me until I tasted blood in my mouth.
"No."
"You don't get to decide," I snapped, my voice was voice raw and trembling. "I'm ordering you."
His eyes darkened, but his resolve held firm. "I will not hit you."
