Book 3: Chapter 21

Esmeralda straightened herself, her cheeks flushed with something else she refused to acknowledge. Without another word, she turned and quickly adjusted her appearance in the mirror, making sure there was no evidence of the encounter. Her lips felt swollen from the kiss, but she pressed them together to regain some semblance of composure.

She took a deep breath, steeling herself, and opened the door. Diego stood a few feet away, his arms crossed over his chest, his expression a mix of annoyance and concern.

"Finally," he said, his voice clipped. "What took you so long? Are you sure you’re okay?" His eyes swept over her, searching for any sign that something was amiss.

"I’m fine," she replied, forcing a smile and trying to inject some warmth into her tone. "Just something I ate, like I said." She brushed past him, hoping he wouldn't notice the faint tremor in her hands. 

As Esmeralda moved past him, Diego suddenly grabbed her arm and yanked her back, the