Page 38 of Hidden Raphael
Had she imagined his voice? She went to the compartment and took out all the food and set it on the table. She arranged everything for their meal. Footsteps echoed in the hall. She straightened her dress and clutched her necklace. She'd have to find out why he’d called her name. Why he thought he was such a bad person. Why he wasn’t worthy of forgiveness.
Raphael leaned against the door. His dimples on his face were sexy, and how his muscles blocked her vision of the hall behind him made her mouth water. Her crush was becoming real. He smiled at her. "Why aren’t you sitting down?"
His bulging muscles stretched the black t-shirt as if it had been painted on his hard body. He acted as if he had no cares in the world. His sexy green eyes had more light in them with Roger gone, though he'd never admit it. She licked her lips.
"I'm waiting for you." She curtsied. At least she still had her sense of humor. "Are you hungry?”
He nodded, coming closer to the table. Her chair. Her heart hammered in her chest, and she stilled. "Very much. I like having you here."
"A moat is a sure sign of being a recluse." Why had she repeated what she'd said earlier?
He changed the topic and brushed his body against hers. "Did you see anything once you’d opened the door?"
She straightened her shoulders. "Err. No. I’d like to go to the crash site and check out the island tomorrow."
He glanced up at her, and her heart melted. "I'll go with you."
With no danger outside, she'd prefer to have time by herself. She always mediated on the beach and it made her feel stronger. "There is no need. Just show me how to lower the bridge, and I'll be on my way."
"There is every need." He shook his head. "I don't know everything Roger might have done on the island, and I want to gain a better perspective. He might have laid traps for you."
A sigh escaped her lips. He'd protect her. She should have guessed that was his reason. So why did her mind race with the word "lie"? She pushed her hair behind her ear, avoided his gaze, and said, "Okay, but if you don't mind, though, I'd like to sit on the beach near the crash site alone for a while."
"Of course." He mumbled, "I will make sure you're safe first."
He pushed her chair in after she sat down and she folded her hands on her lap. She waited for him to sit, and then leaned forward. "Can I ask you a few questions?"
"You can ask." He stared into her eyes. His pupils were large in the candlelight. She forgot everything else except him. Then he crossed his arms. "I'll choose which to answer."
She nodded and sat back in her chair. "Fair enough. Why turn this castle into a hotel?"
Raphael answered, "I thought I told you. The truth is I thought I told you far more than I should. My family owns a few hotels. I'd rather shut it down entirely and just live here, alone, for the winter."
Alone wasn't good. She poured them both a glass of wine. "Is your brother a part of that?"
"My father's business." Raphael leaned back in his chair, but lowered his arms. "My brother, my sister, and I all benefit."
She leaned closer. "So you don't own and build strange hotels. Your family does. So what doyoudo besides being a former marine?"
He held his breath and turned his gaze away. "Let's change the topic."
"Wait. It was only a lead-in question."
He stood up like he'd storm out of the room. His chair tipped backward and fell to the floor. She stood up to stand in his way as headed toward the door.
"Wait." She was on her feet just as fast to block his exit. "Why do you always run from me?"
His gaze flicked everywhere but at her.
She stepped close enough that her palms rested on his. He smelled like pine. "Raphael, don't run away from me."
His gaze dropped to hers, and his succulent eyes stole her breath. "I have thought about kissing you again so many times. I can’t sit there across from you and pretend."
Fire surged within her, and his lips brushed against hers.
"I've thought about you every second since yesterday." His gravel-filled voice made her ache. "I can't promise you anything."
She swallowed and stared into his eyes. "You're my hero, Raphael, and if you need me, tell me."
