Page 103 of Sinful Scars

Mikhail shakes his head. “I’m afraid it’s true, Elle.”

“We’re so sorry.” Lucia’s voice thickens with tears. “We hate that we’re bringing all of this up again, but we hope it could give you closure.”

I don’t bother to fight the tears. Instead, I let them fall.

Mikhail leans forward. “Has Lev been in contact with you? I hate to ask, but I need to know, Elle. This man is dangerous and clearly, he’s got some unfinished business with you.”

“N-no he h-hasn’t.”

I don’t know why I’m lying. After all he’s done, he doesn’t deserve my protection.

All it would take is a nod in the direction of my bedroom for Mikhail to realize the truth, and it would all be over.

But then I would also have to tell him that the very man who murdered my parents is also the father of my child.

That realization has me burying my head in my hands.

How can this be happening?

Lucia gets to her feet, and she comes to perch on the arm of the chair. “Elle, it’s going to be okay.”

She places a hand on my shoulder and gives it a reassuring squeeze, but it does little to make me feel better. “Mikhail will take care of him.”

What?

Is that what I want?

I’m so confused that I can barely think straight.

“I can’t deal with this right now.” I shake off Lucia’s hand, getting to my feet.

My cheeks are damp with tears, and my body feels heavy with exhaustion. “I think you should go so I can process this.”

Mikhail braces his hands on his thighs. “I appreciate it’s a lot to take in. But we can’t ignore this threat any longer, Elle. I really think you should come back to the townhouse with us.”

“That’s not necessary, Mikhail.”

“Elle—”

“Please, can you both justleave?” I wince at my tone.

This isn’t me. This isn’t who I am.

I don’t fight with Lucia, or snap at my friends. But ever since Lev came into my life, I feel like I don’t recognize myself anymore.

“I’m sorry.” I sigh. “This has just…been a lot.”

“You don’t need to apologize.” Lucia gets to her feet. “But I really think you shouldn’t be alone. Maybe I can stay, and we can just hang out, just the two of us?”

My eyes flick to my bedroom door, and I shake my head.

“I think I just want to be alone.” I don’t miss the flash of hurt in Lucia’s eyes, but she nods.

“Will you promise to call the moment you’re ready to talk?”

“I promise.”

The moment I close the door behind Lucia and Mikhail, the fear sets in. The man who murdered my parents is in my bedroom.

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