Raúl’s forbidding scowl flashed across my mind, but I immediately dismissed his hostility. It hadn’t been an intentional show of intimidation. He’d clearly been enraged by the fact that Daniel had put Isabel at risk during the coup. His fearsome expression was solely a result of his discomfort at having someone in his private space. It had nothing to do with actual dislike.
A pleasant lightness made my feet seem to float a few inches off the polished wooden floorboards as I ushered her into the lounge. I’d forgotten the simple joy of hosting a friend, adding happiness to their day through offering a warm welcome and engaging conversation.
When she’d settled on the gray leather, L-shaped couch, I went to the kitchen to get drinks for us. Suddenly, I wished Raúl had given me a little more notice about her visit. I would’ve prepared a more elaborate spread.
Next time, I promised myself as I returned to Isabel with a wide, almost silly smile stretching my lips.
I don’t want you to feel like a prisoner. Raúl’s words played through my mind.
For the first time, the sense that I was trapped here against my will began to ease. Ever since the day he’d hunted me through the woods and punished me for trying to escape, I’d avoided thinking about my captive situation. I’d remained focused on living one day at a time, languishing in each blissful hour I spent in Raúl’s strong, silent presence.
But in the back of my mind, I’d still felt caged. Now, the invisible bars that kept me confined seemed to fall away. Raúl truly didn’t intend to keep me locked away forever. I’d thought I wanted my freedom, but maybe I was already free.
Raúl might not let me leave, but I was free to refuse him. He didn’t force himself on me, and he treated me as though I was the most precious thing in his world. And he gave me more pleasure than I’d ever dreamed was possible, lighting my body on fire with his domineering, demanding hands.
I’m free to choose to stay, too. A small, hopeful voice whispered from deep in my soul.
“I’m glad to see you smiling.” Isabel’s tentative statement pushed through my new, tempting thoughts as she accepted the drink I offered.
“I’m glad, too.” I sighed happily and settled down on the couch, seating myself across from her.
Her thick lashes narrowed slightly, skeptical. She cocked her head at me, studying my face for several seconds before finally speaking slowly, as though choosing her words carefully. “Are you really doing okay? I mean…” She leaned closer and lowered her voice. “We haven’t met before, but I know about you. Just a bit. Everyone in the cartel has been made aware that Carmen is worried about your safety. She thinks you’re lost and all alone somewhere, and she wants you found. She thinks Raúl is helping her.”
Her eyes darted around the huge, empty lounge, checking to make sure no one was listening. “But he has you here with him. He’s been lying to Carmen and Stefano. When he told me you were here…” Her chin dipped, making her big eyes seem larger than ever as she fixed me in her worried stare. “Are you really okay, Marisol? You can tell me. I can help you.”
“I’m fine!” I insisted, making my own quick inspection of the room. I heaved a soft sigh of relief when I confirmed that Raúl wasn’t lurking anywhere nearby. If he heard Isabel offering to help me escape, he would probably lose his mind; just like when he’d torn after me in a feral rage when I’d tried to run from him in the woods.
“Seriously, I’m fine,” I said in a calmer cadence. “More than fine. Raúl has been amazing. He’s been keeping me safe here, that’s all.”
She pressed her hot-pink lips together and shifted in her seat. Then, she straightened her spine. “He shouldn’t be hiding you from Carmen. Even if he is treating you well, this isn’t good. Carmen truly cares about you, and she’d be furious if she found out Raúl’s been keeping you locked away in his house.”
“It’s not like that.” Even as the protest left my lips, unease stirred my gut. She was edging very close to the uncomfortable truth. “He doesn’t want a conflict with Carmen and Stefano over me. He’s going to tell them he’s found me eventually.”
“There wouldn’t be a reason for a conflict at all if he’d just taken you safely to Carmen as soon as he found you. How long have you been here with him?”
I tried not to squirm under the weight of her scrutiny. “I’m not sure. Three weeks, maybe? But really, it’s been wonderful. Raúl’s done nothing wrong.”
Her delicate features firmed with determination. “If he’s not doing anything wrong, then why would he have to threaten me to keep his secret?”