Page 79 of Sinful Scars

It’s only a matter of time before Elle knows the truth of who I am, which is exactly why I want a chance to speak to her one last time.

As expected, the moment I peer in through her open window, I find Elle sitting on the edge of the bed. But something is different.

Something is…off.

She’s fully dressed, despite it being past midnight, with her arms folded across her chest. Not that I was expecting her to be lying naked and ready for me, but this feels in complete contrast to how she was the other night.

Is it because I haven’t been back? Does she think I’m done with her now that I got what I’ve wanted?

My chest tightens at the thought.

I can’t really blame her for thinking like that. After all, I’ve made no attempt to speak to her since that night.

But she needs to know that I stayed away for her own good, and not because I didn’t enjoy myself.

It’s the fact that I enjoyed myselftoomuch that has made me stay away.

Or perhaps this has something to do with what happened earlier…

I followed Elle across the city to her cousin’s house after her therapy session, but she was barely in there ten minutes before I caught sight of her running out the door with tears streaming down her face.

I was so close to storming the place and demanding what the hell was said to make her cry, but then I considered the reality of the situation.

Nina could already have gotten to her, which means I’m too late.

She knows the truth, and it’s all over.

I hope for my own sake that it’s not that.

My heart starts to hammer in my chest as I climb in through the window.

I’m desperate to go to her, to beg for her forgiveness, but I know I don’t deserve it. So, I keep my distance, choosing to lean against the wall and try to ignore the pain in my chest.

“Elle?” I whisper when she still doesn’t speak.

Fuck, I wish I could see her face if only to read her expression. Going in blind like this is torture.

“Is everything okay?”

She is quiet, but I don’t push her.

“Is it true?” she whispers.

Her voice is so cold and emotionless that each syllable is like a punch to the gut.

“Is what true?” But I already know what she means.

“Alexei told me that you’re Lev.”

All the air leaves my lungs as she finally speaks my name out loud.

It’s all over.

“So, I will ask you again. Is it true that you’re responsible for the death of the parents of Alexei and his brothers?”

I hang my head at her words.

“I’ll leave if you want me to,” I manage to say through the lump in my throat. “But I won’t stop watching you, Elle. Not until I’m sure that you’re safe.”

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