Elena’s Point Of View

I closed my eyes for just a second, inhaling, trying to steady myself. “It’s… nothing,” I said finally, voice trembling but steadying, sharp and deliberate. “I’m just… wondering. How many years would it take for someone to be as stupid as you?”

His eyebrows shot up, sharp and incredulous. “Really?”

I opened my eyes, meeting his gaze without flinching. “Really,” I said, tilting my head, the faintest edge of challenge in my tone. “And if you ...