Emily backed away, her arms crossed protectively over her chest. “You shouldn’t be here.”
“I’m not leaving until you tell me the truth, Em,” I insisted, shutting the door behind me. “What is he doing here? Why is Alexander always at your house? And why did he grab your hand like that?”
Her face twisted with panic. “You... you saw all that?”
“Yes, and it didn’t look like “some business deal” My voice softened as I took a step closer. “Emily, please... tell me what’s going on.”
Tears formed in her eyes, and for a moment, I thought she’d finally open up. But she shook her head violently. “You don’t understand! You can’t be here. It’s just not safe.”
“Safe from what?” I asked. “Is he hurting you? Is he threatening you? Just tell me anything.”
She bit her lip, her whole body trembling. “Y
