Page 24 of Raphael
Although I regret nothing, I nod, shoulders easing under his calm understanding. With a parting smile, I take my leave before Uriel can return or rumors spread further. I may have poked a hornet’s nest with this stunt. But Uriel’s scandalized reaction was still priceless. I just hope the fallout isn’t too severe or long-lasting. Only time will tell.
“So, uh… Catch you later?” I say to Michael, sudden excitement rising as I glance at my watch. I have a date to get to.
“Yeah,” my bro says. “I’ll be on call all night if you need me.”
I grin as I pull Michael in for another hug. “Glad to have you back,” I tell him as we part.
With renewed eagerness, I head out to the parking garage. For now, I put my nosy brothers out of my mind, thoughts turning to Helena and our plans for the evening.
Butterflies flutter in my stomach as I take a sharp breath, my mind racing with excitement. Whistling cheerfully, I guide my sleek sports car onto the evening streets and head back to my apartment.
Minutes later, I stand before my closet, deliberating what impression I want to make tonight. My hand reaches for a sleek designer suit, pausing as a daring idea strikes. With a grin, I instead select a loosely flowing linen shirt left half-unbuttoned, and distressed jeans. Finger-combing my golden waves artfully tousled completes the casual yet sexy look.
A spritz of her favorite cologne and a final glimpse in the mirror has me nodding in approval, excitement rising. I aim to surprise my lovely Helena by shaking up our usual refined meetings. Tonight calls for effortless spontaneity rather than uppity restraint.
CHAPTER15
Helena
The restof the day crawls by at an agonizing pace. By late afternoon, I’ve given up all pretense of focus, unable to concentrate on anything but anticipation for tonight.
Glancing at the clock, I’m relieved to see my distracting meeting with Raphael is only a few hours away. Just the thought of seeing him again helps settle my restless energy and refocus my resolve.
Exactly at 7:00 PM, I inform Eve I’ll be leaving early and slip out the back before she can respond.
I fly through the few blocks to my apartment in a flurry of movement, the gathering dusk urging me on. Once inside, I make a beeline for the shower, hastily shedding my clothes as I go. The hot water cascades over my body, washing away the sweat and stress accumulated throughout the never-ending day.
Steam clouds the mirror as I wrap myself in a towel, surveying options for the evening ahead. I select an alluring burgundy dress with a deep neckline, pairing it with delicate gold jewelry and strappy heels.
Blow drying my inky locks, I arrange the dark waves artfully over my shoulder, accenting smoky eyes and nude lips. A spritz of perfume completes the sultry, yet elegant look I aimed for.
Pleased with the transformation, I gather my small purse and coat before locking up. The brief drive to Raphael’s stylish highrise passes in a blur. My whole body thrums with anticipation, skin tingling beneath the light coat in the evening air.
Tonight, I intend to take Raphael’s breath away when he sees me. Squaring my shoulders, I push through the opulent lobby doors towards whatever awaits between us.
My heels click across the polished marble floors to the bank of elevators. Luckily, no one else waits to join my ascent. As the doors slide closed, I catch my flushed reflection in the mirrored walls. Alone with my racing thoughts, I smooth imaginary wrinkles from my dress, pulse kicking faster the higher we climb.
A melodic chime announces my arrival. The doors glide open and I exit to find his door halfway down the silent corridor. Each step echoes my escalating nerves.
I stop at the door, smooth back my loose waves of hair, and take a steeling breath. Just thinking about seeing Raphael across the threshold saps the moisture from my mouth and causes my heart to stumble over itself.Get it together! It’s only sex,I remind myself sternly.
Squaring my shoulders, I give a sharp rap on the door. Seconds later, it swings open, and my feigned composure crumbles at the sight of him. Hair attractively tousled, shirt half-unbuttoned, jeans slung low on lean hips...
“Helena.” Raphael greets me with a crooked smile that stops my heart. “Right on time.”
Before I can form words, he grasps my hand and tugs me inside. I all but fall against the solid muscles of his chest as the door shuts behind me.
Raphael wastes no time on pleasantries, hungry mouth capturing mine. I sigh into the kiss, fingers winding eagerly into his hair like I’ve ached to do all day.
With an approving rumble, he walks me backwards towards the opulent bedroom. I nip at his full lower lip, smiling against his mouth at his indrawn hiss.
My calves hit the bed and I tumble onto the mattress, pulling Raphael down with me. He braces himself above me, eyes glowing with wicked promise.
“Someone’s eager tonight,” he purrs, thumb tracing my kiss-swollen bottom lip.
I arch up to bring our bodies flush, wrapping a leg around his hips. “You have no idea,” I breathe, urging his mouth back to mine. Talking is terribly overrated anyway.
With a low chuckle, Raphael obliges, his kiss scorching. He kisses like it’s his sole purpose in life, claiming my mouth utterly. I could easily become addicted.
