The Dark Society

84

 Sabrina's caress made him vulnerable in most cases. However, being so close in such an intimate setting was also intoxicating. Still, he couldn't stop staring, knowing his time in America stood limited. A subject of conversation they'd thus far avoided. With this in mind, Luis grasped her hand, wishing to forget.

"I want this night to last forever," he whispered.

"Why can't it?"

Luis stared as she let out a playful snicker.

"You do have a suite, right?"

He smiled.

"What about it?"

Sabrina leaned in.

"So, take me home in the morning."

Luis felt amazed and didn't argue the proposal. Yet, despite the exhilaration, Sabrina again looked distracted. She gazed through the bistro as if expecting to see something unusual. However, as patrons came and went, she kept up appearances and stayed calm. Besides, they were having the time of their lives. And each interaction only reaffirmed their feelings. Still, there was something he wanted to do.

"I have a gift for you," he said, opening a dark-colored box.

"It's gorgeous!" she exclaimed, admiring a solid gold locket.

Luis smirked and adjusted the chain.

"Do you recall our first photograph?"

Sabrina grinned.

"I remember it well."

He drew close and opened the locket.

"Now you can remember that moment forever."

She gasped while admiring a picture of their first kiss. A small remembrance of a most significant moment.

Caressing her face, he smiled.

"I'm not letting go."

Moving her hair aside, Luis placed the locket around her neck. Then, following a brief but loving kiss on her shoulder, he whispered, "I love you."

Sabrina's eyes lifted.

"I love you too."

He arranged the locket, but soon noticed another. Similar in design, but with distinctive symbols. All that aside, Luis never questioned its origins despite lingering suspicions.

"Ready to go?" he asked.

Sabrina agreed, and together they headed to the elevator. Emotions were genuine, and bonds felt validated. So, there were no reservations about reciprocating affections.

Meanwhile, Sam sat infatuated with a girl who resembled both her and Katherine. But despite that, a lifetime of guidance and wisdom echoed. A sabbatical of tutoring Sam adhered to. Either way, silence could prevail for only so long. But, despite the uncertainty, she followed.

In the end, Sam renounced repentance in favor of truth. Next, tact became a priority, as a seventeen-year journey ended within a narrow hallway. The last among a maze of corridors and enclosed architecture.

Fists clenched and eyes squinted, but other than a feeling, there wasn't a basis to react. Even still, touching the door frame, the connection felt undeniable. All the same, Sam stepped back, knowing reason should prevail. But, approaching the end of the hall, the room door opened, and for the first time in years, they were together.