Elias’s pov
Alina’s gaze shot back to me, wide with shock. The red mark blossoming on her skin was like a wound burned into my soul.
“Alina, I… I’m sorry,” I stammered, voice breaking, hands trembling as I reached toward her. “I didn’t mean—I don’t know what came—” My throat closed, words tumbling out in broken fragments. “I’m f*****g sorry.”
She jerked her face away from my touch.
“Stay away from me, you f*****g bastard!” Her words dripped with venom, searing into me.
“Alina, please!” My voice cracked, rising in frustration as I dragged my hands through my hair. “I didn’t mean to hurt you. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. This isn’t me! I hate this—I hate that we’re like this!” My chest heaved, the desperation choking me. “We were happy once. We were perfect, Alina, don’t you remem
