Chapter 34

• Days go by in a blur, and my life slowly settles into a new normal. I spend my days with Caroline, trying my best to help her come out of her shell and provide the information I need to help her find her way home. She's still holding back for reasons unknown to me, but at least she isn't as uptight as before. I have to give credit to Miguel for that. He's taken it upon himself to make her as comfortable as possible, and if I didn't know better, I'd say he's developed a bit of a crush on her. It's cute, but I'm not sure if it's the best idea.
• After putting Danny to bed, I make my way to Rafael's office. We haven’t revisited the conversation we had over lunch that day, and honestly, I’m not surprised after his tense reaction to my hug. I knock softly, and upon hearing his response, I step inside.
• As always, Rafael is engrossed in his work, a cigarette dangling from his lips and a glass of whiskey beside him, the amber liquid catching the light from his desk lamp. He wears a sharp black suit that hugs his frame, accentuating his broad shoulders and narrow waist, giving him an air of authority and allure. I watch, transfixed, as he lifts the glass, his fingers adorned with a skull tattoo wrapping around the tumbler. He takes a sip, his throat bobbing as he swallows. I find myself licking my lips, my eyes glued to his mouth as it glistens with moisture from the drink. God, this man is stunning. I see it every day, yet it feels like I’m discovering it anew each time.