**Elena’s POV**

Stefano turned, catching sight of me lingering by the stairs, the thought of turning back flashed through my mind, but my feet wouldn’t move.

“Elena, come here,” he commanded.

Crap. Of course they knew each other.

He motioned again. “I want you to meet someone.”

I forced my legs to move, one slow, awkward step after another. Every muscle in my body felt tense, and I kept my eyes on the floor, just trying to breathe.

Dante stood beside Stefano, appearing ...