really hates guests. My heart squeezed at the reminder that he was pushing himself way out of his comfort zone in order to make me happy. The least I could do was save him from socializing.
It looked as though Isabel could use saving, too. Her eyes were so wide that her thick lashes nearly reached her delicately arched brows. Her oversized, wire rimmed glasses only magnified them, making her seem downright terrified. Freckles dusted her too-pale cheeks, and the unnaturally ashen tone of her complexion made her bright pink, matte lipstick pop to an almost garish degree.
I slipped past Raúl’s intimidating bulk and extended my hand to Isabel. “I’m so glad you could come visit.” Genuine warmth imbued my tone, and she focused on my pleasant greeting like a lifeline. “It’s great to meet you. I’m Marisol.”
Her fingers trembled slightly when she shook my hand, but some of the color returned to her cheeks. She very carefully avoided looking at Raúl, keeping her large eyes pinned on me.
“Isabel.” She introduced herself before clearing her throat. She straightened her shoulders, and when she spoke again, the quaver dropped from her voice. “It’s nice to meet you, too.”
“Do you want to come in? You’ll have to excuse Raúl,” I added quickly. “He was about to go spend some time in his workshop.” I turned to him with a sweet smile. “Don’t let us hold you up. I know you wanted to finish that big project today.”
We hadn’t discussed any such thing, but my white lie melted his scowl. He dropped a quick kiss on my forehead and strode away without a word, heading for the haven of his man cave.
When I returned my attention to Isabel, I found her jaw hanging open. She quickly closed it with an audible snap and blinked rapidly, clearing away her momentary shock.
I supposed Raúl’s intensity would be enough to shock anyone, especially someone like Isabel, whose willowy frame looked as though she’d be knocked over by a strong wind. Her loose-fitting, white crop top and wide-legged, ankle length jeans did nothing to bulk out her appearance. If anything, the shapeless clothes made her limbs seem even more delicate.
I stepped aside and welcomed her into the house with a bright smile, eager to offer her shelter. Anyone with half a heart would experience the impulse to shield her fragile frame.
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