Chapter 36

I stare at Rafael as he tends to the cut on my lip with a gentleness I never imagined he possessed. Since leaving Carla's house, he hasn't left my side for a moment - carrying me to the car, then into the house once we arrived. The way he barked orders at Pedro to call the doctor minutes ago caught me off guard; you'd think I was dying from the urgency in his voice. I'd be lying if I said it didn't stir something deep inside me. This human side of him, the one I somehow manage to draw out without even trying, fascinates me.

"How did you know to come?" I ask as he picks up a warm towel to wipe my cheeks. Earlier, I'd insisted the doctor treat Carla first - something Rafael strongly opposed until I refused to let anyone touch me unless they helped her first. That forced his hand, though his displeasure was evident. Now, he's taken it upon himself to tend my wounds while waiting for the doctor to properly examine me.

"Julio,