CHAPTER 219

  Zane's POV

  I drove in silence as Belle sat beside me, her hands fidgeting nervously in her lap. I could feel the tension radiating off her in waves, and I didn't blame her. The Perri mansion was a place filled with too many bad memories for her, and the thought of going back there- especially with everything happening in her family- must've been overwhelming.

  "Are you sure you want to do this?" I asked softly, keeping my eyes on the road, though I desperately wanted to turn and see her expression.

  She was quiet for a moment, and then she nodded, though her voice came out small, uncertain. "I have to. There's no running from it."

  "I'll wait up for you," I said, breaking the silence. "No matter how long it takes."

  Belle glanced at me then, a sad smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "You don't have to do that, Zane. I'll be fine."

  "I don't care," I replied, gripping the steering wheel tighter. "I'll wait."