ic warning, and the dark, unreadable expression on Lucas's face. She had walked into this marriage thinking it was a simpl

lready gone, leaving no indication of where he had gone or when he'd ret

ok. But no matter how hard she tried, her thoughts kept returning t

she

nce M

ookstore. She hadn't been there since the wedding, and she miss

Clara greeted her

to think you'd forgotte

ugh. "It's been..

unease. "You okay? You lo

d, avoiding her frien

atting with customers, grateful for the distraction. But

le

standing near the entran

ere?" she asked, glan

id, stepping closer. "Did yo

. "I... found

'm not lying. Lucas is dangerous, Elena.

said, her voice low. "I si

an be broken. Your life isn't

pressing down on her. "You don't understand. If I break

. "Then let me help you. I kn

the bookstore. The driver stepped out and opened the door and

ront

ce commanding and intimidating. His gaz

oolly. "I didn't exp

ing Lucas's gaze. "I was j

smile that didn't reach h

ling between them, like two

id, his tone leaving

a subtle nod, as if to say they would talk later

ilent. Lucas's jaw was set, his hand

d her into the living ro

" he said, his voice

nded. "What are y

ael doesn't know what he's talking about. He's bitter be

erous," Elena said,

hat's rich coming from someone who

e said, her voice rising. "What are you hi

arkened. "You do

wife, remember? Or does that only

looked like it might shatter. Then, without warning, he turned an

ew

ed, her phone buzzed. It was

et me tomorrow at 3 PM. C

t the message. Was she ready to

nto, but one thing was certain: she co

Deci

the coffee shop, nervously stirring her drink. Mi

, sliding into the

she said firmly.

ople who operate in the gray areas of business money laundering,

churned. "What's

s... about disappearances. People who crossed Lucas

r form in her stomach. "You

ssion was grim.

. She had suspected Lucas was hiding something,

telling me th

Michael said. "You don't deserv

d, her hands trembl

eyes sincere. "Let me help you. We c

fear and hope. She didn't trust