Holly walked carefully into the dining room, her long flowing dress dragging behind her. She was suddenly shy. This was so unnatural for a Midgardian woman… an earthling.

She lifted her gaze to Loki's… he stared at her, standing by the large fireplace. Not able to judge what he thought of her, she dropped her gaze back down to her hands.

Suddenly, he was in front of her, tipping her chin up to look into her eyes. "Are you sure you're not an Asgardian?" he whispered, his fingers gently pulling a lock of her red curls over her shoulder. A light blush stained her pale cheeks. "Ah, I've made you blush." He grinned in triumph, such a beautiful sight. "Please, sit." Holly obeyed, sitting at the opposite end of the long table. She winced as she adjusted her legs, avoiding the stitches. "Still sore?" Loki asked, cocking his head to the side.

"Yes," she said quietly, biting her bottom lip, "I'm afraid they are."

"You look beautiful." He said suddenly, startled by his own words.

"Thank you." Holly said, smiling sincerely. "I take it you haven't done this before?"

"Done what?" Loki questioned, furrowing his eyebrows.

"Wooed a woman?" She asked. Loki stared at her.

"I have, but not a Midgardian." He said quietly.

"Because you have a prejudice against us." Holly pushed the envelope, tipping her head to the side.

"Perhaps." He answered honestly, hiding a smile. How was she not angering him? Holly nodded as the first course of their meal was set in front of them. She was quiet, picking up her fork and tasting a bite of the substance in front of her. Loki watched her closely, studying her. Her eyes lifted from her plate as she swallowed and a small blush spread across her cheeks.

"May I help you?" she asked as politely as possible. Loki brought his glass of wine to his lips, hiding his smile.

"You can sit right there, my dear." He said purposefully. He received the intended reaction when her blush deepened. Holly cleared her throat and looked at her hands that were positioned her lap. In a moment, he was by her side, lifting her chin with a long finger. "You humans can be so self-conscious. Do you not know how beautiful you are?"

"Please," Holly whispered, biting her bottom lip. "Why are you doing this?"

"Doing what?" he countered, cocking his head and raising an eyebrow.

"Why did you bring me here? What use am I to you?" she asked in desperation.

"You're obviously of use to S.H.I.E.L.D." he raised his other eyebrow. "And you're undoubtedly beautiful… you're much more intriguing than other human females… physically and mentally."

Holly was at a loss for words. She had heard this man-or demigod- was a heartless wretch. And he thought her beautiful? What was she supposed to do? There was no way to escape… and she was starting to find him quite charming, which was never good for her emotions.

"Don't toy with me, Loki." She pleaded. Loki's smile disappeared off his face as he watched her, lips slipping into a frown. "I have gone on too long with men who have toyed with my emotions, almost to the point where I'm numb." Loki simply stared at her, no emotion shown on his face. He noticed the tears in her eyes, her trembling lips. Oh, how he wished he could kiss the fear away.

"Those men," he spoke carefully, gently, "did not deserve you. You are a strong hearted, intelligent, and intriguing woman. Any man to toy with you should be at your mercy." Loki's voice was dark, authoritative as he bent to her level. "You have gone far too long without an acceptable lover." His voice was then quiet, almost haunting.

Her brows furrowed as she took a deep breath, standing. "I can't do this, Loki. Not with you. You kidnapped me! You took me away from everything I had." Her voice got more desperate as she spoke. "We're supposed to be enemies." Holly's voice was shaky as he closed the distance between them.

"Are we enemies?" he asked, voice deceptively quiet.

"Yes." She said, raising her eyebrows. "We're not meant for one another, Loki. You don't want me. It'll only mean bad things for you."

"Who are you to tell me what I can and can not have?" Loki said, stepping closer. "I am a god… you are merely a mortal." Holly stepped closer to him, stopping him with a hand to his chest.

"I'm a member of S.H.I.E.L.D. You know, the people who thinned out your plans the last time." She reminded him.

"Yes, and?" he challenged, daringly close to her.

"That means we can't do this, Loki. In no realm can we-" he silenced her by placing a chaste kiss on her lips, pulling her against his body.