I stopped myself before that thought finished forming.
My brain, traitorous as ever, launched straight into fantasy.
In one version, Alexander noticed me during a meeting and asked my name, genuinely interested. In another, he handed me a coffee during a break and asked if it was my first time in Spain. In another, I made a mistake and instead of punishment, he helped me fix it.
I knew I was building him up in my head. I knew it. But still, he seemed kind. Accomplished. Attractive in a way that did not feel dangerous. And most importantly, he did not look like someone who would blackmail another person into sexual compliance.
That alone felt like a miracle.
I looked at his photo again.
Three weeks might not be so bad after all. Maybe this was exactly what I needed. Proof that not everyone with power was cruel. That there were still good people in the world.
I was smiling. Actually smiling. For the first time since this nightmare trip had begun.
"What are you smiling about?"
