Chapter 23: Elena’s Guilt & Punishment
Elena woke up sore in the best way. Her body still hummed from last night. Matteo’s arm was heavy across her waist, Luca’s leg thrown over hers, Nico’s hand resting on her thigh like he needed to feel her even in sleep. The safe house bedroom was quiet except for their slow breathing.
She stared at the ceiling. Sunlight slipped through the thick curtains in thin lines. Her mind wouldn’t stay still.
Vittorio’s face kept flashing behind her eyes. The way he’d looked when the bullets hit him. Blood on his shirt. Pain in his eyes. He had reached for her even as he fell back into the car. “Baby girl,” he’d whispered. Then Matteo pulled her away.
She had chosen them. She knew that. But the guilt sat like a stone in her chest anyway.
She slipped out of
