They stopped at a big restaurant to eat before going to Derrick house.

Elena stared down at her plate.

She wasn’t hungry,her stomach felt tight but she picked up her fork anyway and forced herself to take a bite.

Derrick watched her from across the table.

His eyes were dark and hungry but not for food.

She gave him a small smile, nervous and careful, hoping he wouldn’t notice how tense she was.

Under the table, her phone rested in her lap.

She typed quickly.

“Going to his house tonight.”

She pressed send.

Alexander replied almost immediately.

“No,Lena do not.”

Elena swallowed and took another bite

“I have to, I...