I stepped toward her slowly. "Don't hide from me." The words came quietly.
She went still. Her eyes lifted toward mine uncertainly while her arms remained crossed over herself.
"You don't need to cover yourself around me," I continued.
Silence settled between us. Then slowly, carefully, her arms lowered again. The scars across her back remained visible immediately afterward. Old whip marks crossed pale skin in uneven lines that time had faded but never fully erased. More scars rested lower along her sides, quiet reminders of everything she'd survived. I didn't look away from any of it.
I stepped closer until almost no space remained between us. Isla's breathing changed slightly.
"Can I kiss you?" I asked quietly.
A pause settled between us. Then she nodded once. "Yes."
I touched her
