♥ Chapter 42♥

10:20 '' Penitentiary of Horizonte. '' Courtyard. '' Zefíria.

Aurelia Dusk.

It's been a week since Lucian started looking after me, and I confess I'm completely surprised by all the attention he's giving me. The pain in my face is still there, but it's no longer as intense as before. I've been following the treatment indicated by the doctor to the letter, and Lucian has been tireless in cleaning the wound every day. His dedication has brought me a comforting feeling, and little by little, I'm feeling calmer.

The worst aspect of this situation is the monotonous diet: soup, juice and vitamins have become part of my daily routine. And even when I try to talk, I feel a nagging pain that makes me shake my head in response, avoiding talking as much as possible. Lucian was categorical in forbidding any vocal effort, concerned to avoid opening my stitches. And frankly, I have no desire to experience that excruciating pain again.

Despite this, Lucian allowed me to spend time with my friends in the cafeteria and laundry room. However, it was impossible not to notice his constant vigilance. Everywhere we went, his eyes were on me, alert to any movement. I chose to keep my distance from Druk, even though he had done nothing to harm me. I'm not willing to provoke Lucian's wrath again. There were times when I noticed Druk wanting to get closer, perhaps for a friendly chat, since he's not very sociable with the others, except Trix. But I always stayed away, avoiding any situation that could create problems for either him or me. I already have enough problems to deal with; I'm not interested in getting into any more trouble.

I let out a sigh as I felt the cold wind caress my face, a harbinger of the storm to come.

"I think it's going to rain later," Tina observed, looking up at the sky.

I followed her lead, gazing at the dark clouds gathering on the horizon.

''Yes, it looks like rain is on the way,'' I agreed with a nod.

''The good thing is that you have someone to warm you up. '' Dina joked, causing us to laugh.

''Don't start with that. ''I replied, holding back a yawn. ''But the weather is freezing.

'' It is, and it's certainly going to be terribly cold in the early hours of the morning. '' Hina murmured, leaning her head on my shoulder.

Curious, I decided to ask:

''What are you planning to do when you get out of here?

'' I don't even know. With this lawless city, it's hard to think of a fresh start,'' Trix replied, looking away from her book.

''And who's going to want to employ murderesses? ''Tina joked, drawing laughter.

''Not everyone is that prejudiced. ''I intervened, getting the group's attention. ''I read an article about a man who took an ex-criminal into his home, believing in his redemption. Unfortunately, the man was betrayed and killed by the criminal himself. The problem is the fear of trust-the fear of being deceived and betrayed. There are bad people in this city-people who judge without knowing the full story-but the real reason for the lack of trust is the fear of being betrayed by those we trust. '' Silence settled after my words, each of them reflecting on what had been said.

I glanced over at the table where Lucian stood with his friends, realizing that he had also come to the courtyard to keep an eye on me. However, my attention was caught when I saw him get up and leave. At first, I didn't take much notice, but what caught my attention was seeing the young rookie following him outside.

''I'll be right back, guys,'' I announced, climbing down from the stands and following the two of them.

Lucian went up the stairs, and the new girl did the same.

Why am I following them?

I bit my lip, struggling with my own thoughts, but I continued to be attracted by the scene, walking after them. I saw Lucian go into the communal bathroom, which struck me as odd since he has his own private bathroom. The new girl followed him too, and a feeling of apprehension came over me.

Should I go in there?

Gathering my courage, I quickly entered the bathroom. I didn't see either of them at first glance, and as I explored the room, I noticed a groan coming from one of the cabins.

'' Ahh... Just like that! "The sound hit me, leaving me perplexed.

I felt my eyes fill with tears, and, as I was about to leave the bathroom, I was startled to hear a voice behind me.

''What are you doing? ''I turned around to find Lucian standing in front of me, his hands in his pockets.

Before I could complete my question, we were interrupted by another groan.

'' Ah. '' He murmured with a small smile. ''I didn't know you liked listening to other people having sex, doll. '' His smile took on a mischievous expression.

''It's not that. ''I tried to explain, but I was pressed against the wall and felt his hot breath on my neck. ''L-Lucian... It's a misunderstanding. '' I said, struggling to keep my composure.

'' Really? Are you turned on by hearing someone else's moans? '' He moved his hand down to my breasts and squeezed them, making me moan involuntarily.

'' L-Lucian... I told you, it's a misunderstanding. '' My words came out between gasps.

'' E-Excuse me. '' We looked away, seeing the new girl all red. ''I want to pass... Please.

I pushed Lucian away from me, allowing the girl to pass quickly.

'' You thought it was me and her having sex in that bathroom, didn't you? '' He asked, looking at me seriously.

''N-No, I didn't think so. And if it was, I wouldn't care. '' I was about to leave the bathroom, but he pulled me back, pinning me against the wall.

''Why don't you admit that you like me, Aurelia?

''I-I don't like you. Lucian. '' His words reverberated in my mind.

He licked my chin, sending a shiver down my spine.

'' Are you sure about that? You're too proud to admit it.

'' I-I don't like it. '' I tried to remain firm, but his light bite on my chin made my body react involuntarily.

'' Yes, you do; admit it to yourself, darling.

I pushed him away and quickly left the bathroom, my face on fire and my heart beating wildly.

The feeling of confusion completely enveloped me as I walked away from the bathroom. Each accelerated beat of my heart echoed in my ears, as if I were trying to remember the emotional turmoil I had experienced at that moment. Lucian's simple question had unleashed an avalanche of uncertainty, and I found myself struggling to understand my own feelings.

On the one hand, I wanted to vehemently deny any trace of affection for him, resisting the idea that someone like Lucian could awaken something within me. However, his presence, his words, his touches-they all moved me in a way that I couldn't ignore. It was as if I was caught between aversion and attraction, unable to decide which way to go.

Walking down the corridor, I struggled to organize my thoughts, but everything seemed like a jumbled mess bubbling up in my mind. Perhaps it would have been easier to simply deny any feelings for him and to stand firm in my position of independence and pride. However, even as I convinced myself of this, a part of me continued to question whether it was really true.

In the face of this whirlwind of emotions, one thing was certain: Lucian's presence in my life had triggered an internal conflict that I couldn't resolve so easily.