Lira’s POV:
The silence that followed Damian’s question felt louder than any scream. His eyes were still on me, it was sharp and unrelenting, and no matter how much I tried to hold his gaze, mine faltered. And I hated myself for it.
I hated that in this moment, I looked guilty when all I had was confusion and fear.
I pressed my palms against my knees to keep them from trembling. My throat felt raw, my heart pounded so fast, I was sure everyone in the room could hear it.
He doubts me. The thought stabbed deeper than Eloise’s harsh words, and deeper than the sheriff’s suspicion.
“Damian…” My voice cracked, and I hated how weak I sounded. I tried again, firmer this time. “I swear to you, I didn’t put that file in my bag. I don’t even know how it got there.”
His expression didn’t chan
