Episode 17

In front of Leyne's anxious gaze, Tez remained silent for a few minutes, until he walked away, towards the bedroom door.

Tez: I don't know.

Leyne: What do you mean you don't know? It's just letting me go, isn't it? There's no more danger out there, from what I understood... Did I misunderstand?

Tez: Yes. You misunderstood. In fact, from the beginning you believed what they wanted you to believe. The people who wanted to get rid of you weren't siblings of that woman, Jiulane... They're part of the company. Probably that woman found out something about them, so they had to eliminate her.

Leyne: Well... Even so, she was smart. She figured out the embezzlement early on. But still, Tez, wasn't the problem solved?

Tez: Not yet. There's one more, and he was the one who most wanted to see you. Richard was going to take you to his other brother.

Leyne: But why? If I don't know who they are, and I was only chosen to be discarded.

Tez: I wish I had all the answers you need... But I don't.

Coming closer to Leyne, Tez gently touched his face.

Tez: Stay here with me... Until this other brother is out of the picture. I have a friend of mine tracking him, as soon as he finds him, you can go.

Leyne: {Somehow, I feel like I wouldn't mind staying longer, but not as a prisoner.}

And how long will it take?

Tez: I don't know, but I don't think it will be long.

A relieved smile spread across Leyne's face, leaving Tez embarrassed.

Tez: What was that smile? I don't understand your expression.

Leyne: Can you always be like this?

Tez: Like what?

Leyne: Did you realize what you just did? You explained everything to me. You didn't leave me tormented by it. You know, even if I had another alternative, I have to trust you, I have to believe your word... And when you do that... I feel like we understand each other much better. Thank you.

Tez couldn't help himself and kissed Leyne again. For a few seconds, Leyne returned the kiss until he felt his legs weaken. When he felt Tez's hand on his waist, he pulled away.

Tez: What was it?

Leyne: What was it, I say. Why did you kiss me again?

Tez: Why do I have to answer that?

Leyne: Heavens, I just told you that when you explain the whole situation I'm fine, because I know what's going on... And then... You don't even warn me that you're going to kiss me.

Tez: I didn't know these things had to be communicated.

Leyne: For me, yes... And you know what? No sleeping in the same room. Stay in yours, and I'll stay in mine. And don't do that again!

Tez looked away from Leyne.

Leyne: Hey! Tez! You're going to have to give me your word, come on! No more kisses, okay? Say it!

Tez: If that's what you want... Okay.

Leyne: Okay, no! Give me your word!

Tez walked out of the room.

Leyne: {This madman! What does he think I am? But... It's a good thing we talked better today.

III

For the next three days, Tez received Leyne's care. As soon as his wound was treated, he would go to the kitchen to prepare meals, while Leyne took care of other matters, especially the garden. During the afternoons, Tez would go into his collection room to clean and organize, and with a cup of bitter black coffee in his hand, he would observe the outside world through the glass door. Everything was very similar to his previous routine, but now, something made him smile more, every time he saw Leyne in the garden.

...

On the morning of the fourth day, Leyne didn't find Tez in the room to check on his wound. He then went downstairs and went to look in other rooms. The sound of water coming from outside caught his attention and made him head out there. As he got closer, he saw Tez swimming in the pool.

Leyne: {Wow, he looks great. His recovery is incredibly fast.}

Tez's broad back was well defined, and although his skin was quite beautiful, some scars stood out.

Leyne: {This man must only have fought in his life. Such a routine must be exhausting, and sad too.}

Tez leaned against the edge of the pool and climbed out. Water cascaded down his body as he ran his fingers through his hair. He looked at Leyne and smiled mischievously.

Leyne: {Heavens... Just like in my dream... Now I would even kiss him.}

Step by step, Tez walked towards Leyne.

Leyne: {What is he up to? Will he kiss me? Why is he looking at me like that and not saying anything?}

Tez: Get in with me!

Leyne: Huh?

Tez: Come with me!

Leyne: No, I... I'm not a very good swimmer, I'll embarrass myself...

Tez: You want me to take you by force?

Leyne: No.

Tez: Then get in!

Tez stopped at the table next to Leyne, picked up a bottle of water that was there, and drank. Then he held out his hands towards Leyne.

Leyne: No! No need, I'm coming.