When they separated, Shannon tried to follow until it was obvious that Eli was not simply trying to readjust. He eventually tipped back, hand going to rest at Michelle's wrist instead as if to encourage her. He was on the edge of a knife, one he couldn't quite define and had very little to do with the toying that was going on below the belt. That certainly helped, however, and he tilted his head back to place his temple against Michelle's.

"Need help?" he murmured in amusement, having only caught the tail end of their conversation.