I want to kiss

Hazel had been anxiously waiting for Francisco, her nerves fraying with each passing hour. She had dozed off in the chair on the balcony, lulled by the night’s quiet, but the sudden roar of a car engine startled her awake. Groggy and disoriented, she struggled to piece together how long she had been asleep. The moon had shifted significantly in the sky, indicating she had been out for hours.

Peering over the balcony, she saw Francisco’s car glide into the driveway. Relief mixed with dread as she quickly stood up and hurried inside the room. As she exited the chamber, she caught sight of Francisco ascending the stairs, his eyes locking onto hers. A faint smile curled on his lips, though it didn’t reach his eyes.

“You’re still awake, my queen?” Francisco’s voice was gentle, almost affectionate, as he extended his hand toward her.

Hazel placed her hand in his, feeling the warmth of his palm, but something in his touch felt different—cold, distant.

"You told me you had a surprise for me,"