"Where the hell have you been?"
Marcus's voice rang out as Aria closed the door, his expression tense with worry and anger.
"I needed some air."
"For four hours? Without answering your phone?" He walked across the room. "I've been calling and texting you. And I was about to start checking hospitals."
"I'm sorry. I just needed to think."
He held her shoulders. "You're shaking."
"I'm cold."
He pulled her closer. "What happened? Where were you?"
"I went for a walk. I'm trying to clear my head."
Marcus pulled back to look at her face. "Elena, you've been tense since we got to London. Something's wrong, really wrong. And I need you to tell me what it is."
"I can't."
"You can't, or you won't?"
"Both."
He released her and stepped back. "We can't keep doing this. You're disappearing for hours and coming back looking like you've seen a ghost and refusing to explain anything."
"I know," she said.
"Then talk to me." His voice gentled. "Whatever you're dealing with, let me help."
