Pedro approached, his steps slow, as if each one cost him a piece of his courage. The apartment was silent, only the distant sound of the city coming through the half-open window. He stopped before her, his dark eyes plunging into hers, as if searching for something he already knew he wouldn’t find.

“Clare…” Her name came out in a hoarse whisper, almost a plea.

She didn’t answer. Her lips were slightly parted, her breathing quickened, as if she already knew what was coming.

...