Lina’s POV
I noticed Carlino only sleeps deeply when he’s exhausted. Tonight, he seems exhausted as well. I’m sitting upright against the headboard, watching him from the dim edge of the lamp’s glow. His arm is thrown over his eyes like he doesn’t trust the dark completely. Even in rest, his body is alert—jaw tight, shoulders tense, breath measured instead of loose.
He never fully lets go.
The house is quiet. Somewhere down the corridor, a guard’s footsteps pass in a steady rhythm. A radio crackles softly, then fades. Layers of protection wrapped around these walls like armor.
And inside it, him.
And me.
My plan felt clear a few hours ago. Logical. Necessary. Leave before I become so entrapped, that I can't leave anymore. But watching him like this… it didn’t feel simple.
His hand s
