But he was also different – like he was forever walking on a tight rope whereas with Lysander, there was no need to guess what he felt. These days, he was forever in despair and only in Estrella’s company did he find reason to smile. Emilia stayed silent in her seat, listening and observing. She had always been like that her whole life, but with him…with him she wanted to move, to speak out, to do something – anything so he would know she was alive. He talked and didn’t talk a lot. It depended on how you looked at it. He was a charmer for sure, but he also kept his cards incredibly close. No one would ever guess what he was thinking, his gentle violet eyes and polite smile as much a shield as his aloof pose. Her older brother leaned close. “You’re drooling.” Alejandro snickered. Without batting an eyelash, she stepped on his toe under the table. Alejandro choked in pain. He turned to her, and it was Emilia’s turn to choke. “Is there anything wrong?” His voice was beautiful, cultured, and gentle.
