GRAVES VILLA
1:30 a.m.
"You're finally back! I was worried sick!"
We barely stepped into the villa when Maria came running toward us.
She pulled me into her arms and I hugged her tightly.
"I'm so glad you're okay."
"You scared me so much! I thought you'd gone to give yourself to that man while I was being saved!"
"Don't worry, nothing happened. That's all behind us now."
Her smile faded as her eyes scanned my face and the clothes I was wearing. Her gaze shifted from surprise to anger.
"What happened to your cheek? And why are you dressed like that? Don’t tell me you got into a fight again!"
"Please don’t yell, it’s late and today has been... eventful. I just want to enjoy the fact that you're safe."
She kissed my forehead. To my surprise, she also approached Alexander, who leane
