Conflicted Emotions

"It's getting late," she says, her voice strained. "I should go."

Malik looked like he wanted to protest, but he held his tongue, his expression a mask of neutrality. "Very well," he said, his voice low and smooth.

Robin turns to Zaria, who is still giggling in her highchair. "Bye-bye, Zaria," she says, her voice soft. She presses a small kiss to her forehead before moving away.

Malik, his face softening, picks up Zaria and holds her in his arms. 

"We should see you out," he says, his voice low.

Robin, her heart pounding, shakes her head. "That's okay," she says. "I'll be fine."

But Malik immediately frowns, "I insist." He says imperiously, his tone brooking no room for arguments.

Robin couldn't really refuse him now. 

He carries Zaria to the door, his eyes never leaving Robin as they walk towards the entrance of his house. 

She gulps when she gets there, eyes refusing to focus on Malik, "I'll get going then