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“But who will protect you from her?” he countered. “I’ve seen how she treats the slaves,” he added bitterly. “She probably thinks she’s above everyone, doesn’t she?”
Her first instinct was to defend herself and tell him that it was all a misunderstanding, but she couldn’t afford him finding out who she really was—more than anything, she couldn’t risk him seeking out or speaking with her in public. That would put all eyes on them.
“She’s the worst,” she uttered reluctantly.
I promise I’ll explain everything soon.
“She cares about no one but herself. Everyone hates her.”
At least the last part was true. It had to be, since she’d earned her respect with an iron fist.
“Does she hurt you, too?” he asked, and she heard the worry in his voice.
Noelle wondered how she should answer that question. She supposed the worse she made herself look, the more Raf would keep his distance if they ever crossed paths outside.
“Sometimes,” she murmured. “But it’s not bad, I swear. At least I’m protected from the creepy men around the hacienda. I’d willingly subject myself to her whims knowing at least no one will try to take advantage of me like that.”
“I’m so sorry, Lucero,” Raf said. “If I find a way to escape, you’re coming with me,” he stated unequivocally.
“Raf…”
“I won’t accept anything less. Either we both go, or not at all. I would never leave you in this den of vipers. I could never live with myself if that happened.”
“Alright,” she whispered, realizing it was a moot point to convince him of anything else at that point. “You need to eat now. I can’t imagine that what the guards gave you was enough for someone your size.”
“I’m eating, I’m eating,” he said, biting into a sandwich.
“You also need to take the pills, okay?”
“Of course. You can be quite bossy,” he chuckled.
Noelle blushed.
“I only want you to be well.”
“I know. I was joking, Lucero. I love that you’re so concerned about me…” He suddenly stopped as steps thudded outside of the isolation building.
Noelle’s eyes widened in fear.
She couldn’t be caught there. It would not only blow her cover with Raf, but it would also ruin everything.
“Hide,” Raf said in a hushed tone.
She was already to her feet and sneaking inside the other cell, closing the door and breathing in relief when it didn’t lock automatically. Carefully, she made her way into the back, taking advantage of the darkness of the room to hide behind the toilet in the corner.
It only took moments for someone to come into the building and question Raf about who he was speaking with.
“Can’t a man speak to himself? It gets rather lonely here,” Raf said with confidence.
For a split second, Noelle thought the guard would punish him for being so bold.
“Keep it down. Some people are trying to sleep,” he added groggily before dragging his feet out of the building.
Both Noelle and Raf breathed in relief when the door closed behind him.
“Can you hear me?” she asked in a whisper as she moved closer to the wall that separated them.
“Yes,” he whispered back. “Are you alright?”
