I barely slept, I checked my phone for the hundredth time. Nothing from Damien. Just Sofia’s last text from two hours earlier, “Still awake if you need me. Door locked?”
I typed back “Yes” with shaking fingers and finally went to sleep.
When I woke up in the morning my eyes felt swollen. I dragged myself to the bathroom, splashed cold water on my face, and stared at my reflection. I had a swollen face and was still putting on the same clothes I’d worn on the plane. I looked exactly like someone who had ruined everything.
A soft knock sounded on my door.
“Elena? Morning. I made coffee if you want some. The others should start arriving around ten.”
Alex’s voice was still that same calm, professional tone. It should have been reassuring. Instead it made my stomach twist.
“I’ll be out in
