13
Luci
Ilisten to Evi’s soft, rhythmic breathing as she sleeps on top of me. For the first time since we brought her into this mess, I can’t help but notice her.
Truly notice her.
Not for the way she reminds me of Anna, but as a unique creature unto herself.
Of course, it helps that she has many of the same qualities, both physically and behaviorally, that I loved about Anna … but there’s something unique about her, too. Something I can’t quite put my finger on.
I don’t know many women who would willingly volunteer themselves to help keep their captor’s health intact.
I stare down at her, lifting my hand to gently brush aside some of the hair that’s fallen across her shoulder.
Maybe Dante is right about her.
Not that I can admit that to him. Not now.
Especially not after locking me in here with her.
Obviously, they suspect me of something. I thought I was being careful, but I must not have been careful enough. I frown at this thought, my fingers absentmindedly tracing the soft skin of Evi’s back as I think back over the past week.
Huh.
Maybe it’s the opposite.
Maybe, I’ve beentoocareful. Too distant. Too controlled.
The more I think about it, the more this makes far more sense.
I’ve sat by and watched as Seven’s nearly driven himself mad trying to control himself around her. She’s nearly pushed him over the edge several times now.
And then there’s Dante. As calm and collected as he tries to be, even he’s barely managed to hold his own against her ... and in some ways, he’s already failed.
No wonder they have their suspicions when it comes to me.
If that’s really what this is all about, then I’ll just have to set their minds at ease. I close my eyes, sinking deeper and deeper into myself as I search for a connection with Seven or Dante.
It’s been nearly impossible to do over last few days, so it comes as no surprise when I find I’m unable to link with Dante.
Clearing my mind, I try again. Re-focusing my thoughts, I search for Seven this time. I make a connection almost instantly, and nearly break it just as quickly.
Regaining my composure, I keep my own thoughts from intruding as I explore Seven’s surroundings. Oddly enough, he’s not standing guard outside the bedroom door as I’d expected him to be.
Knowing I only have a few seconds left before Seven will have no choice but to notice my presence, I let my mind take in as much information as I can through his eyes.
The room’s lighting is strange and far too dim, and it’s nearly impossible for me to make out what he’s doing without my own night vision. Even though we both have the ability to see in the dark, stepping into his mind doesn’t allow me to use his powers.
As my eyes slowly adjust to the dark, Seven leans over something and I see the faint glint of light hitting a tub of what appears to be liquid.
I know I have to break focus with him; but just as I go to do it, I suddenly realize where he is as he pulls a piece of wet paper out of one of the tubs.
He’s in the darkroom.
Straining my focus, I try to see what the picture is of, but then I feel Seven’s mind start to turn on me.
Damn it.