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“Outside, seriously?” I ask incredulously.

Chuckling, he nods. “There’s a courtyard in the middle of the building. I know we just met, but I feel like you need a friend in your corner. You’re going to have a lot of people who just want to get in your pants, and I can assure you that’s the last thing I want to do,” he says passionately.

I’m not really sure if I should be concerned by this statement or not. Walking with him, I raise my eyebrow. “I’m self-aware enough to know I’m not everyone’s perception of beauty, because that would be awfully conceited—”

“Nah,” Zachary says, his hand ruffling his blond hair. “You’re absolutely gorgeous. I just feel as if you’d prefer a friend.”

My eyes meet his accidentally with my surprise. “You’d be right. I often end up feeling like everyone feels entitled to overly touch me, or as if things are expected of me that I’m not willing to do,” I explain.

Nodding, Zachary winds through the many hallways, greeting people softly.

“Zach, where are you going?” barks a voice I’ve become accustomed to unfortunately.

Turning, Zachary salutes the Warden, still walking. “I’m going to the courtyard. Is that a problem?”

“Why are you taking one of our newest inmates?” Grayson asks suspiciously.

I’ve never been violent a day in my life, and I want to smack this man.

“Because Silla needs some fresh air,” Zachary insists, holding out his hand. I swear Grayson growls under his breath as I place my hand in Zachary’s. “She didn’t know there was a place she could sit outside for a bit.”

Grayson grunts, causing me to turn towards him. My eyes stay trained on his chest, seeing that he’s now dressed in a suit that seems to try to civilize the beast of a man that he is.

“My eyes are up here, Silla,” Grayson says, and I struggle not to show my annoyance.

Why does this man have it out for me?

“I’m very aware of that, Sir. Is there something you need from me?” I ask, not moving my eyes from where they are.

“Be careful who you trust,” is all he says as he walks away.

“I’ve never seen him like that,” Zachary says, confused.

“He drove me here early this morning, and I don’t really think he likes me.” I sigh, turning back to him.

“No, I don’t think he knows what to think about you,” Zachary murmurs. “Come on, let’s get you outside before it gets too late. They lock the doors at eight-thirty.”

My feet move faster, and I’m pulling him in my excitement. Shaking his head, he puts on some speed.

Soon, we’re outside in a large circled area. There are a few trees, and the fading sunlight hits my face like an old friend. The knot in my chest that I’ve had since arriving loosens for just a second, and I feel tears prick my eyes. I whisper to myself to get it together, because the wetness threatening my vision is unwelcome.

“So you like to be outside. That’s the most important thing I know about you right now,” Zachary teases me.

Letting out a breathy laugh, I nod. Instead of this area being filled with people, from what I can see, we’re completely alone out here.

“Yeah. I think that is the most important thing about me,” I joke.

“Try not to come out here alone, okay? The next few days are hard for someone that has a problem with closed spaces,” he says gently.

I whirl around, eyes wide, my lips opening to deny it.

“I will never use this against you,” Zachary promises. “I know people are dicks, but I try very hard to be a decent human. I may not see you much outside of meals, so please wait for me if you can, before coming out here. If you need space, I have zero issues hanging out on the other side of the yard while you take it. Just don’t come out alone, alright?”

“You’re really sweet,” I tell him honestly. “I don’t think I know very many decent people.”

“That’s really sad,” he says without mincing words, and somehow it makes me snort with humor. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone make that sound and not look ridiculous doing it.”

My head tips back as I laugh, covering my mouth. “It’s been a really shitty few days,” I wheeze, still giggling.