Chapter 45

Nathan didn’t stop her. He just watched as she got out of her car with hurried steps. As the door closed, Nathan leaned his head against the back of the seat. He smiled—softly, confidently.

“She’s got it too,” he murmured. “Just a matter of time.

Elena held her breath as she stepped back into the restaurant. Bara was still in her seat, busy stirring the already cold coffee.

“Sorry I took so long,” Elena said quickly as she sat down, trying to act normal.

But Bara noticed her immediately. His eyes were sharp, but his expression remained calm.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

Elena smiled awkwardly. “Yes. Nothing’s wrong.”

Bara nodded, but his gaze dropped to Elena’s neck. Something there made his eyes tighten for a moment—a reddish mark that was too conspicuous to ignore.

“Elena,” he said softly. “Who was that?”

Elena swallowed. She could have said a friend, but seeing Bara’s gaze already fixed on the red mark on her neck, she knew lying