Elena’s POV

"You got my email."

The words came out breathless, and I hated how small my voice sounded.

I stood up quickly, my chair rolling back and hitting the window behind me. The desk was between us, a barrier that suddenly felt both necessary and ridiculous.

The building was empty now, I could feel it in the way the lights had dimmed automatically as people left for the day.

Patricia was gone, her desk dark when I'd glanced out earlier.

It was just us.

Damien didn't say anything, ...