Chapter 231

Maxine’s POV

The door was unlocked and then I stepped out. I was being careful to keep my face neutral. Ronan was waiting. His eyes swept over me. I kept my head down, hoping he hadn’t noticed the tears I had swiftly blinked away.

“Ready to go back?” Ronan asked, gently. As if he didn't give me five more minutes. As if I wasn’t his captive and anything else he had said wants, goes.

I nodded. “Yes.”

He didn’t move immediately, just watched me with those eyes. I could feel him studying me. It was like he was searching for a break of emotion in my face. My skin prickled under his gaze. I resisted the urge to shift uncomfortably. I couldn’t let him see any more than he already had.

“Okay. Let's head back, Maxine,” he said quietly.

I nodded and focused on the sound of our footsteps as he led me back to my cell. Each step pulled me away from Zel but at least, there was hope. We had hope.

When we reached the door to my cell, Ronan