I don't know how long I stay like that. But eventually, the tears slow. My breathing evens out.
I'm still broken. Still scared. Still lost.
But Marco's right outside that door. And for now, that's enough to keep me from drowning completely.
CHAPTER 36
Marco
I stand outsidethe bathroom door, forehead pressed against the wood, listening to Elena cry.
Every sob is a knife to my chest. Every broken breath makes me want to go back in there, gather her in my arms, and promise her everything will be okay.
But I can't. Because she needs space. And because I don't know if I can keep that promise.
The water runs for a long time. I hear splashing. More crying. Then silence.
I knock softly. "Elena? You okay?"
"Yeah." Her voice is small. Fragile. "Just getting out."
"Take your time. I laid out some clothes on the bed."
More silence. Then the sound of the bathroom door opening. She emerges in one of my t-shirts and sweatpants, both too big for her frame. Her hair is damp, her face scrubbed clean. The bruises stand out starkly against her pale skin.
She looks so young. So breakable.
"Come on," I say gently. "Let's get you to bed."
She follows me to the bedroom. Climbs under the covers without a word. I pull the blanket up to her chin.
"Try to sleep," I tell her. "You're safe here."
She nods but her eyes are wide. Scared.
"I'm going to be right in the living room. If you need anything?—"
"Don't leave." The words come out panicked. "Please don't leave me alone."
"I won't. I promise." I grab a chair from the corner and position it next to the bed. "I'll be right here."
She closes her eyes. Her breathing gradually evens out. But even in sleep, she looks tense. Haunted.
I sit there watching her for almost an hour before her body finally relaxes. Really asleep now.
My phone buzzes. Vito.
We need to talk. Debrief on what you found.
I look at Elena. She's out. Deeply asleep from sheer exhaustion.
I text back:Give me 10 minutes.
I slip out quietly and call Sofia. "I need a favor."
"Anything."
"Can you come sit with Elena? She's asleep but I need to go upstairs to debrief Vito and I don't want her waking up alone."
