She made her way to the room where Reynaldo led her, and peeked inside. She saw Lexo sitting at a table, engrossed in some papers. He seemed oblivious to her presence.
Taking a deep breath, Samia stepped into the room and closed the door softly behind her. She approached Lexo, her heart pounding in her chest.
"Samia?” he said with shock in her voice. “You escaped?” He composed himself. “I’m so glad. We were so worried about you.”
“Save your lies. You left me behind to take the fall.”
“I did not. I wanted to go back for you, my love. But the men, they wouldn’t allow it. It was too dangerous. If I was caught, it would lead to my **** and everyone’s capture. So they would not let me go back and save you. I am truly sorry.”
He knelt before her, kissing her hand. He was gentle, like he had been the night they’d spent together. Was it all an act though?
Samia looked into Lexo's eyes, trying to discern the truth from his words. He was such a charming liar, but she had learned to read people well. She couldn't forget the way he had left her for dead, but she also couldn't deny the warmth she felt when she remembered their time together.
She needed to be strong, to keep her focus on her goal. "I don't know what to believe anymore. I need Barrington's jewel, and you have it. I won't leave empty-handed."
Lexo laughed softly, a bittersweet sound that echoed in the room. "I know you're not one to back down, Samia. All right, you win. The jewel is yours. But only if you return to us. You are one of us after all. You are a Shadow Blade, Samia."
She hesitated, her mind racing with all the thoughts and emotions that flooded her. She had been betrayed once before, and she didn't want to make the same mistake again. But there was something in Lexo's eyes, something genuine and heartfelt that tugged at her.
"I don't know what to do," she confessed, her voice trembling. "I need to trust my instincts, but you... you make it hard to know what's real."
Lexo smiled sadly, his eyes softening. "I know, my love. You have every right to be wary. But I truly did love you, and I want nothing more than for us to be together again. You've proven yourself to me, Samia. You're a true Shadow Blade, and I need your skills. Will you come back to me, and together we can take back what's ours?"
Samia hesitated for a moment, her mind racing with all the thoughts and emotions that flooded her. She had been betrayed once before, and she didn't want to make the same mistake again. But there was something in Lexo's eyes, something genuine and heartfelt that tugged at her.
"I need time to think," she said, her voice barely audible. "But I promise, I will make a decision soon."
Lexo nodded, understanding the weight of her choice. "Take your time, Samia. I'll be waiting for you."
Samia left the room, her heart heavy with the decisions she had to make. She knew that whatever she chose, she would have to face the consequences. But she was determined to take back what was rightfully hers, no matter the cost.
