Chapter 12: Never Lower Your Guard

I've spent hours pacing around the room and watching the prettiest but loneliest sunset of my life. Back at home, I could at least call Joan.

Here, I don't dare leave the room in case Maximilian is still downstairs. And I'm still mad at Tommy for leaving me the way he did.

A knock on the door stops me in my tracks, and the door opens before I can respond.

"Dinner," Tommy says coldly, closing the door behind him. The instant it closes, his face changes into a frown.

"He's still here, isn't he?" I say. I don't even need to name him.

Tommy nods and sets down a tray with chicken and noodles. "Lena, if he even suspects..."

I rush to him and his words are drowned by the kiss I place on his slips. Without meaning to, I've slammed into him, sending his back against the closed door.

"Stop," he pushes me away gently but firmly. "Do you really not understand what he'd do to me if he knew?"

His angry voice only encourages me further, but I let go and brusquely turn away.

"You're a cowa