{Elena’s Pov}
The key sat on the nightstand, a small, gleaming object that mocked me.
Nico Moretti thought he was clever, offering me a choice that wasn’t a choice at all.
I could lock the door, and pretend I had some control.
Or I could leave it unlocked and let him think I was surrendering.
Neither option changed the truth—he owned me now.
I clenched my jaw and turned away, gazing out at the city lights.
A wave of nausea washed over me. I was trained to handle pain and torture, but nothing had prepared me for the crushing blow of betrayal.
And now, for the first time, I wasn’t sure if Marco was my savior or my executioner.
A knock at the door made me tense.
I turned sharply, expecting Nico, but instead, it was one of his men—Matteo.
He leaned against the doorframe, his arms c
