Ava's POV
Eli's comments lingered weighty in the air, like a storm just about to strike. I looked at him, trying to find any trace of the man I thought I knew, but all I found was a stranger hiding secrets.
"You believe you're shielding me?" I laughed, attempting to cover the anguish that had jammed itself into my chest. "Keeping me in the dark will help? In lying?
Eli's expression softened but he did not dispute it. "Sometimes, Ava, the truth can do more damage than silence." His voice was little above a whisper, as though he were confining his faults to himself more than to me.
My pulse sharpening, I moved forward a step. Then prove it. Share all with me, Eli. Alternatively, us—" My throat stiff, I paused and said, "ends here."
I momentarily imagined he might turn away. He startled
