Chapter 48

—Ellie—

My uncle stepped in a moment later, tall and controlled as always. He closed the door then paused, his cool blue eyes flickering to my throat where Tristan’s marks had been—no longer visible, covered by layers of concealer, just like my traitorous feelings for him were covered up by stacks of lies. I flushed and touched my skin in shame.

“Don’t,” he said firmly. I frowned. He moved toward me slowly, cautiously, as if he thought I might bolt. I lowered my hand from my throat when he came to a stop in front of me.

“Don’t be ashamed for something forced upon you,” He said quietly, but his voice was off. It had a note to it I had never heard before. I searched my uncle’s eyes, but it was difficult to read him. He exuded control and power.

But there was a flicker of regret and sadness in his gaze. “I don’t want to open up painful wounds, Eleanor, but as the Capo of the Outfit, I need to know everything you know ab