Page 49 of Raphael
“You’re not alone, Helena. You’ll never be alone again. I swear it,” I say, my voice firm with conviction. I hold her tighter, as if I can shield her from the world with my embrace alone.
We sit like that for what feels like an eternity, the only sound in the room our synchronized breathing. Gradually, her trembling subsides, her breathing evens out. I can feel the tension draining from her body, replaced by a weary exhaustion.
“Thank you,” she murmurs, lifting her head to look at me. Her eyes, usually so bright and fierce, are now soft and vulnerable. “For being here, for... everything.”
I cup her face in my hands, wiping away a stray tear with my thumb. “There’s nowhere else I’d rather be, Helena. I’ll always be here for you, no matter what.”
She gives me a small, tired smile, and I lean in to kiss her forehead gently. “Try to get some more sleep,” I suggest. “I’ll be right here, watching over you.”
She nods, settling back down into the pillows. I remain by her side, my hand entwined with hers, a silent vow to protect her from the nightmares, both real and imagined.
As she drifts back to sleep, I watch over her, a guardian angel for the woman who has become my entire world. The darkness of the night feels less oppressive, the weight of my deal with Lucifer a little lighter, knowing that I’m doing this for her, for us.
And in that moment, I make a silent promise to myself and to her. I will stop at nothing to ensure her safety, to give her the peace she deserves. I’ll fight the demons of the night, both literal and metaphorical, to keep her safe in my arms.
With that resolve burning bright in my heart, I settle in beside her, ready to face whatever challenges come our way.
CHAPTER31
Helena
Days have meltedinto a comfortable routine in Raphael’s apartment, a peaceful refuge from the chaos and fear that had once consumed my life. It’s almost as if I’ve moved in for good, my belongings finding their new places in his space, blending our lives together in seamless harmony. Each morning, I wake up to the soft light filtering through the curtains and Raphael’s steady breathing, constantly reminding me of the safety and love that surrounds me here.
As the sun sets, Raphael returns from his long shifts at the hospital. The sound of the door opening is like a signal for my heart to skip a beat, anticipation and warmth flooding through me. We’ve fallen into a pattern of quiet evenings at home, a sanctuary from the world outside. Raphael understands my reluctance to venture out, the lingering fear that still grips my heart when I think of stepping beyond these protective walls. “It’s understandable,” he reassures me, his voice a soothing balm to my frayed nerves. “In due time, you’ll feel more confident.”
Tonight, like many others, we find solace in each other’s company. Dinner is a simple affair, but it’s the togetherness that makes it special. We talk about mundane things as we settle on the couch, lost in the comfort of each other’s presence, the TV playing some forgotten show in the background.
As we head to bed, the world outside fades away, leaving just the two of us in our cocoon of warmth and soft sheets. Raphael spoons me from behind, his strong arm draped over my waist, pulling me closer to his taut chiseled chest. His breath is a gentle rhythm against my neck, and I can feel the steady beat of his heart against my back. It’s a feeling of utter safety and belonging, a balm to the wounds that still ache deep inside me.
But tonight, a fire burns within me, igniting a restlessness that can only be quenched by more than just his arms. I crave the sensation of his touch, delving into the uncharted depths of our bond that have been kept at bay since the assault. With a quick twist, I face him in the faint glow, searching for answers in his unwavering gaze.
“Rafa,” I whisper, my voice tinged with a desire that’s been building over these quiet evenings. I can see the hesitation in his eyes, the concern that he might be pressuring me, but I need him to understand. “I’m ready.”
His gaze softens, the love and desire in his eyes mirroring my own. “Are you sure?” he asks, his voice low and tender, always putting my needs and comfort first.
I nod, reaching up to touch his face, tracing the lines of his jaw with my fingertips. “I’ve never been more sure of anything,” I say, my heart racing with anticipation and a hint of nervous excitement.
Raphael’s response is a gentle kiss, a question and an answer all in one. Our lips move together in a slow dance of discovery, rekindling the passion that has always simmered between us. His hands are tender and cautious as he removes my nightgown, as if I’m something precious, something he’s afraid to break. But with each touch, each kiss, I feel stronger, more alive.
We explore each other with a newfound fervor, a celebration of our survival and the love that has carried us through the darkest of times. It’s more than just physical; it’s a reclamation of ourselves, of the life and love that had been threatened but never broken.
Our bodies meld together as if they were always meant to be, his warm skin against mine an electric current that sends shivers down my spine. I taste the salt of his lips, the sweet surrender of his mouth, and I crave more. Our desires intertwine, a symphony of moans and whispers that fill the room.
But amidst the heat and urgency, there is a tenderness that lingers in the air. Raphael’s hands glide over my scars, tracing each mark with reverence and love. There is no pity in his touch, only a profound understanding of the battles we’ve fought and the strength it took to survive. With every stroke, every caress, he erases the pain etched into my flesh and replaces it with a new narrative—one of healing and pleasure.
“Helena...” My name drips from his lips laden with meaning, a clash of emotions tangled in his voice—longing, regrets, and primal need.
“Yes,” I gasp, my body’s curves molding to the hard planes of his. “I want you, Rafa... I need you inside of me.”
Raphael’s eyes darken with desire as he lowers himself onto me, his weight pressing me deeper into the soft mattress. He enters me slowly, inch by agonizing inch, filling me with a delicious ache that drives me to the edge of madness. It’s as if time ceases to exist in this moment, and it’s just the two of us, bound together in an unbreakable bond.
His movements are deliberate yet passionate, matching the rhythm of my racing heart. Each thrust sends ripples of pleasure cascading through my body, igniting a fire that burns hotter with each passing second. Our bodies move in perfect synchrony, a dance as old as time itself.
I arch my back, offering myself completely to him. The sensations overwhelm me, a storm of pleasure that threatens to consume us both. I dig my nails into his back, leaving trails of red across his skin as I surrender to the electric pull between us.
The room is filled with the symphony of our moans and the intoxicating scent of our desire mingling in the air. This isn’t just about physical release; it’s about connecting on a deeper level, about finding solace in each other’s arms after enduring a storm that could have torn us apart.
“Helena,” Raphael breathes against my ear, his voice husky and laced with desperation. “I'm hopelessly in love with you... above all else.”
