**Elena’s POV**

I had made it halfway to the front door when I realized I had left my phone on the bed, and I really needed it. I groaned and stopped, my heart still racing from the fight in the study. I could hear the blood thumping in my ears. I scrambled back up the stairs, my feet heavy on the floor as I ran into my room, grabbed the phone and my purse, and headed for the door. It was my only lifeline now. I turned to leave, ready to run out of this house and never look back.

But my ...