I knew Lewis was still out there somewhere, waiting for me to change my mind. He always would. To him, going back to the White Residence wasn't brave. It was reckless. He would never willingly let me walk into danger again.
But Whitney was still waiting for me.
I gritted my teeth and shut the car door like I was sealing my own fate. I didn't dare look into the rearview mirror. I was terrified I'd see the disappointment in Lewis's eyes and crumble right there.
When the engine started, I clenched my fists in my lap and repeated the same words in my head like a prayer.
Don't look back. I'm sorry, Carl.
Beside me, Yael watched my face like he could hear my thoughts. "Elena," he said softly, "are you unhappy?"
I swallowed and forced myself to sound steady. "Is Vito going to keep Whitney locked up forever?"
Yael's fingers tapped the steering wheel. His calm felt too practiced. "Elena, Whitney doesn't love Vito. If she were free, she'd run."
