CHAPTER 5

Marisol woke to the sound of Santiago rustling around their bedroom at dawn. She kept her eyes closed, feigning sleep while mentally reviewing her escape plan scheduled for tomorrow. "I know you're awake," Santiago said softly. "Your breathing changes when you're pretending." Marisol reluctantly opened her eyes. "What do you want?" Santiago sat on the edge of the bed, already dressed in casual clothes instead of his usual suit. "I've cleared my schedule today. For us." "I have work," she replied automatically. "No, you don't. I called Xavier. He's covering the gallery." Santiago's eyes held a desperation she hadn't seen before. "One day, Marisol. Give me one day." "Why now?" she asked, sitting up. "After weeks of secrets and late nights?" Santiago reached for her hand. "Because I feel you slipping away, and I can't bear it." His vulnerability caught her off guard. "Where would we go?" "It's a surprise." His smile was tentative, reminiscent of their early days. "Please?" Again