Page 54

But I didn’t. The first thing I had to prove was that I could be trusted to control myself.

I opened my mouth and let her control the angle. The first swallow eased past my raw throat and settled cold in my empty stomach.

She pulled the bottle away.

I waited.

A few seconds later, she offered it again. I took two small swallows and stopped on my own.

“I know you took a hell of a risk for a stranger by bringing me that water. Thank you.”

Her breath caught.

She hadn’t merely brought me water. She’d defied Ciro Delgado, and men like him answered defiance with pain.

God only knew what helping me could cost her.

“I won’t forget it,” I promised.

For several seconds, she didn’t move. Then the bottle returned to my lips.

She’d understood the danger and had chosen to help me anyway.

I took one more swallow. Water escaped the corner of my mouth and tracked down my chin.

Then her thumb brushed it away.

The touch caught me off guard. Giving me water was an act of mercy. Wiping my chin was tenderness she didn’t have to give.

Her thumb lingered on my chin for half a second before lifting away.

Then her fingertips touched the cut on my cheek.

Pain flashed across my face, pulling a flinch from me before I could stop it. She snatched her hand back.

“Easy,” I murmured. “I’m okay.”

The bottle crackled softly in her grip, and the plastic rasped as she screwed the cap back on.

“Thank you for being careful not to hurt me.” I let a little humor into my voice. “Does it look as bad as it feels?”

A soft sound escaped her. Not quite a laugh, but close.

Her free hand returned to my face, and a finger traced the swollen edge of the cut. She followed my jaw for an inch or two before resting her hand lightly on my shoulder.

Kind hands didn’t make her safe. Isabella had already taught me that lesson.

But this little mouse’s hand shook.

She wasn’t playing scared. She wanted to bolt but kept choosing not to.

Two men started arguing in Spanish at the far end of the corridor, their voices rising as their footsteps moved closer. Mouse’s hand clamped down on my shoulder.

“They’re still down the hall,” I whispered. “You’ve got a little time.”

Every warning I gave her was true. The guards would hurt her if they found her here. But putting her safety before my thirst also made it easier for her to believe I wouldn’t use her.

I needed her trust.