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Elias kisses my cheek and turns to unlock the door without another word. He disappears inside, and the only thought that sticks in my brain is that this isn’t how I wanted him to see my place for the first time. It’s ridiculous to focus on that, all things considered, but I’d been so excited to invite him up, humming with anticipation to let us inside, pull him down on the couch and…

Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.

Why did I think I could have this? Why did I think I was safe? How could I let my guard down like this and forget—

“There’s no one here.”

Elias is back, keys still in hand, and he sets them into mine before putting a hand in the middle of my back, ushering me inside and locking the door behind us. Gently, he rests both hands on my shoulders and squeezes in reassurance.

“Are you alright?”

All I can manage is a shaky nod and an even shakier breath. Elias looks troubled, but doesn’t press for more. He just pulls me into a hug, and when I lay my head against his chest and hear the steady beat of his heart, my own slows down to match it.

I don’t know how long we stay that way, but when he pulls back and brings a hand up to smooth some of the hair away from my face, there’s one single thought that flashes through my mind, front and center and unexpected.

I’m so glad he’s here right now. I’m glad I’m not alone.

“Stay here for a minute?” he asks, and I nod.

Elias disappears into the kitchen, and even though it’s still a comfort to have him in my apartment, I can’t help the pulse of unease that moves through me. Memories I don’t want to deal with right now bubble up to the surface—memories of not having control, of feeling someone pull on my strings like a marionette.

It’s how I felt for years when I was with Daniel, and it comes rushing back with a ferocity that steals my breath.

Elias mumbles a curse when he comes back into the room. Setting the glass of water he’s carrying aside, he wraps me up in another hug.

“I’m sorry,” I rasp against the soft fabric of his sweater.

He pulls back. “Sorry for what, Nora?”

I can’t bear to look at him. Resting my forehead against his chest, I take a deep breath.

“For all of this. You didn’t ask to be involved in something like this.”

He doesn’t correct me, doesn’t remind me he’s already said I don’t need to apologize. No, all he does is let me take the comfort I need from him, silently offering me the strength I can’t find right now. When he speaks again, his voice is low and hoarse with concern.

“I don’t think you should stay here. Not tonight.”

I nod. “I know.”

“If you don’t feel comfortable coming back to my house, can I pay for you to stay in a hotel? Or I have a condo downtown, just a couple of blocks away from my office, if you’d prefer to stay there.”

The offer is generous, too generous, and I should probably take him up on it.

Still, that’s not where I want to be, not tonight. I don’t want to be in the city with all the noise and the people and the lights. I just want to be somewhere quiet and remote, somewhere hidden where Daniel can’t find me.

Somewhere with Elias.

“Can I come back to your place?”

Elias’s arms tighten around me. “Of course, Nora. Of course you’re welcome to stay with me.”

17

Elias

The first part of the drive from Nora’s apartment to my home is absolutely silent. I’ve got one hand white-knuckled on the wheel, the other clasped around hers, and although she didn’t pull her hand away when I reached over, she’s not talking. Every so often I glance over to see her staring firmly ahead at the highway, expression giving away nothing.

We left her apartment in a rush, just enough time for her to pack a bag with clothes and everything else she’ll need for a few days away from home.