Page 52 of Alexis

She watched him, wondering if he would obey.

On the one hand, if he refused, she could tell herself he was protecting her. But if he really trusted her…

He hesitated for a moment, then slid the blindfold down slowly, and her heart exploded with joy.

He trusts me.

She bounced slightly on her knees, making sure her stance was rock solid.

“Now,” she said.

Everything seemed to slow down. Tiago’s muscles bunched like a hunting cat, then released as he launched himself through the air. In that moment, he had all the beauty and grace of a dancer, and she almost forgot to brace herself for what happened next.

She tightened her grip just as his foot hit the pad with mathematical precision, the force of it shooting through her.

She managed to stay on her feet though, and then she began to laugh.

“Yes,” Tiago yelled, ripping off the scarf and throwing it on the ground.

She dropped the pad, and he rushed her, sweeping her up into his arms and spinning her around.

“Well done,” Oberon said. “This is excellent timing for you to begin your next activity. I think you’ll enjoy it very much.”

“Do we have time for a quick shower first?” Alexis asked.

“Of course,” Oberon said. “Take your time.”

Tiago lowered her slowly to the ground, kissing her forehead as soon as she was back on her feet.

The sweet gesture hit her harder than a kiss on her mouth would have. It felt more than sexy, more than friendly or celebratory.

It felt loving.

She decided it was good that she would be getting a little space to collect herself before the next activity.

He’s not here to love me…

21

ALEXIS

Alexis sat in the lounge outside the luxurious bathroom Oberon had prepared for her.

She felt that delicious exhaustion, like she always did after a good ballet class, combined with the cozy feeling of having come out of a warm shower and put on a fluffy robe before dressing.

Oberon had encouraged her to rest in the lounge for a little while before dressing and meeting up with Tiago. The room was a study in beiges, whites, and browns. The relaxing, wintry color palette was lovely.

A glass of lemon water with mint had been placed on the table in front of her comfy chair. She leaned forward to pick it up, and took a sip.

Delicious, just like everything else.

The only problem was that in spite of it all, Alexis still didn’t feel relaxed.

“Oberon,” she said softly. “Do you think I could make a call?”

“I’m sorry, Alexis,” he said. “Hologram calls can’t be made by patients to any location off the Center grounds.”

“What if the other party is part of the program?” she asked.

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