He doesn't answer as he takes the shirt I previously discarded, offering to help me put it on. I accept his help, and I try to ignore the way my nipples tighten, my skin covered in goosebumps. He tries to ignore it, too—I can tell. It's almost as if he forces his gaze not to stray to that area, realizing that it's making me uncomfortable.

After I'm dressed, silence descends between us.

"It's the first time you've seen my marks," I note softly. I told him about them since they were the reason I was the most hated person at the hacienda—the one even the other slaves snickered at. These ugly marks branded me as cursed, and that made people both fear and abhor me.

"You're beautiful, Luce," he says, his voice trembling with sincerity. "You're the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. Never doubt that."

I blink in surprise.

"You... mean that?"

He smiles.

"You're the only thing that's been keeping me alive until now. The thought of seeing you again carried me through my darkest moments."

"I—" I bite my lip as I study him. "I don't know what to say, Nikki."

"You don't have to say anything now," he murmurs, stepping closer and touching his forehead to mine. He inhales deeply, and I can feel his breath on my lips. "I'll help you with your plan. But after that, you're coming with me," he states.

"I am?" My voice wobbles, warmth spreading through my limbs.

"You are. Now that I've found you again, I'm never letting you go. Never," he emphasizes, his words sounding both like a promise and a threat. In fact, there's a slight edge to his tone, but it's not something I pick up easily on. In my euphoria, I can only see him, here, with me. In my naiveté, I don't ask any questions, simply satisfied with what he decides.

"We should go now," I stammer, still caught in his intense gaze.

"There are ten more minutes until we need to leave," he notes glibly, barely sparing a glance at the watch.

"But—"

"I've missed you, Luce. Tell me you've missed me, too," he says in a low, anguished voice.

"Of course I missed you. You were my best friend, Nikki."

His features darken.

"Your best friend? Just your best friend?"

"I... Well..." I moisten my lips as I gaze up into his eyes. He's so close... "Maybe a little more."

"How much more?" he rasps, his deep voice sending a shiver down my back.

Suddenly, there's no more physical pain. There's only a light pulsation that starts from the center of my chest, traveling up and imbuing all my senses with a euphoria I've never experienced before—one that makes me even more lightheaded than blood loss.

"You must know I had a crush on you, Nikki," I answer bashfully, my cheeks reddening.

"Just a crush?" He raises a brow.

"Maybe a little more."