The library was quiet. The dust motes dancing in the shaft of sunlight from the window seemed to freeze in place. The only sound was the harsh, ragged breathing of a man who had just laid his soul bare.
"I love you so much, Ines," Carcel said.
His voice was rough. It was the raw voice of a man who was terrified he had already lost the most important thing in his life.
He reached out. His large hand, warm and slightly trembling, cupped her jaw. His thumb brushed against her skin, a touch so gentle it made her heart ache.
"I don't want to lose you," he whispered, his dark eyes searching hers. "Not to Evans. Not to any man. The thought of you… with anyone else… it drives me mad."
Ines stood frozen. Her hands were still clasped in front of her. She stared at him, her lips parted in shock.
He stepped closer, invading her space, surrounding her with his scent of soap and desperate hope.
