RAFAEL
I penthouse elevator eased shut behind us, the city lights sprawling out like a glittering sea through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The hospital had cleared Selene with painkillers, bandages, and stern warnings about rest. My initial plan was simple: drop her off, make sure she was settled, then head back out. There were still loose ends with Viktor, and Isabella waiting for answers I wasn’t ready to give.
But the second we stepped inside, Selene’s hand caught my wrist. Her fingers trembled.
“Rafael… please stay. I’m scared to sleep alone tonight. Every time I close my eyes, I’m back there.”
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. The exhaustion of the day weighed heavy, but those wide, vulnerable eyes hit something in me.
“Fine,” I muttered quietly, nodding. I headed to
