Damien stepped into the penthouse, the door closing behind him with a soft click that sounded louder than it should have. The drive back from the warehouse had been a blur of headlights and guilt. His hands were still shaking slightly on the steering wheel when he parked. Lila’s words kept echoing in his head. He had released her. He had no choice. But the lie he was about to tell Elena felt heavier than any chain he had put on her.
The penthouse was quiet. Too quiet. He walked toward the room, expecting to find Elena in bed or on the couch. Instead, the door to his study was slightly ajar. A soft light spilled out into the hallway.
His heart dropped.
He pushed the door open slowly. Elena was there, standing behind his desk, going through one of the drawers. She flinched when she heard
