SERENA'S POV
I stopped just inside. "Why are you coming in?"
Luca hung the dresses on the hook and turned to face me. "You know I don't trust anyone. Not even here. You have to stay where I can see you. Wherever you go, I'll go."
I looked at him, irritation flickering through the tiredness showing visibly on my face. "You think I'm going to run? I won't. I'm not stupid."
"Never said you were, princess. But I'm not leaving you alone."
The irritation sharpened, but I didn't have the energy to snap at him so I just turned my back to him and reached for the zipper on the dress the maids had put me in. My fingers fumbled. The burns on my arms pulled tight and made it hurt. I tried again but I couldn't get it.
Luca stepped closer without asking. His hands brushed mine aside, gentle, and he pulled the zipper down gently. The fabric loosened, falling flatly on the floor. I felt the air rush through my back and I tensed.
