—Ellie—  

     My uncle stepped in a moment later, tall and controlled as always. He closed the door then paused, his cool blue eyes flickering to my throat where Tristan’s marks had been—no longer visible, covered by layers of concealer, just like my traitorous feelings for him were covered up by stacks of lies. I flushed and touched my skin in shame.  

    “Don’t,” he said firmly. I frowned. He moved toward me slowly, cautiously, as if he ...