Nicky took Eliana back to his apartment after a tense phone call with Elias. His voice had been clipped, his words short, but the message was clear—he was taking Eliana with him. Elias didn't protest. Maybe he understood, or maybe he was just too tired of watching her unravel without the person she still clearly loved.
The apartment was dark when they entered, the city's lights spilling in through the tall windows. Nicky didn't say much as he helped her out of her coat. They both moved quietly, the emotional weight of the night pressing against their ribs.
Eliana disappeared into the bathroom first. The sound of running water filled the silence, and for the first time in days, she let the hot shower wash over her and steal the edge from her panic. With Nicky just in the other room, she felt safer—like she could exhale for the first time in what felt like weeks.
