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He was now only interested more, but he wasn’t going to find anything there. Or well, the guards wouldn’t let him anywhere near.

“You’re also free to go out on the terrace. That’s on the other side. Last door.” I nodded my head in its direction.

The terrace was huge, and he could take a walk and breathe some fresh air out there. It was also safe enough because it was too high to jump down and impossible to climb down, so he wouldn’t be able to escape that way.

“I’ll go there first then.” He eyed me for a few moments, as if he expected me to stop him.

“Okay.” I gave him a small smile, and then I walked away from him.

When I glanced over my shoulder, he was still watching me, but then he finally headed in the direction of the terrace.

Maybe once he was out there, he’d feel a bit more free, especially when he gazed at the endless trees and fields that surrounded this place.

Or maybe he’d feel more trapped than ever because he’d realize there was no escape.

Chapter 8

“WHERE’S RAFAEL?” Iasked one of the guards when I couldn’t find my second anywhere.

“Gym, ma’am.”

“Thanks.” I flashed him a smile and headed to the gym.

I should’ve guessed he’d be there. He liked to train very often, and he prided himself on being one of the best in hand-to-hand combat. He was lean and agile, and very fast when he wanted to be.

But when I entered the gym, my mouth fell open.

Luca.

He was shirtless, his fists up, and he was facing Rafael. The guards watched him carefully from a safe distance.

Rafael glanced at me, but Luca didn’t even see me. He was too focused on his next move. When he swung at Rafael, Rafael very easily sidestepped.

Somehow, Luca managed to avoid Rafael going for his knee and stay on his feet. I watched Luca’s strong, sweaty body, and I briefly pictured it moving against mine.

I blinked.