Page 94 of Hidden Raphael
Kimberly's heart whispered she couldn't go. She had to see Raphael. She loved him more than she'd loved anyone ever.
She froze. She was in love with Raphael Murphy. Trusting him was something that was ingrained in her now, and she’d never stop. How could she sneak off without seeing him again?
She opened her mouth, but then his sister continued, "He already sent your bag, but if you want more, I'll get you another."
Kimberly clutched the medallion around her neck. She must have slept with it on. If the legend about this castle was correct, then Raphael would one day accept her. Her heart begged for him to love her, but Kimberly's head argued not to get too far ahead of herself.
Kimberly strode to the door. "First, I need to talk to Raphael."
"Wear shoes. This place gets so cold."
Kimberly stopped, glanced over at the chair with her clothes neatly pressed, and nodded. "Okay. Let me get dressed."
Michaela walked around her to the door, and Kimberly backed away. Michaela called out, "I'll wait for you in the dining room until it's time to board."
Raphael had needed her. She coughed and rushed to the bathroom.
Tomorrow she could be home with her sister and mother, but Kimberly's fingers trembled. She'd rather be with Raphael.
A few seconds later, she ran out of the room. Her sneakers beat against the wood floors and she turned toward the library. Her heart hammered in her chest. She'd have to find Raphael. She'd run to his room next, but luckily the library door was ajar. She pushed the doors open. "Raphael?"
The fire in the room crackled at the same time Raphael's voice boomed, "Kimberly."
His voice came from the other end. She ran into the room and her sneakers skidded to a stop as she turned the corner. "We have to talk."
He nodded, but didn't meet her gaze. He ripped a check out of his wallet and placed it on the table. "I owe you money."
"Huh?"
He crossed his arms. "I promised to pay you while you stayed for cooking."
"That's not why—"
He picked up the check and interrupted her. He walked forward and handed her the paper. "I wrote a check out for $10,000."
Her gaze flew down to the check in her hand and she stared at the exorbitant amount. "What?"
He stepped back and turned away to stare out the mist-filled window. "Take it."
She dropped the check on the table. "No."
He looked out the window and not at her. "You need this to build your life with your mother and sister."
"Raphael, you and I—"
Again he spoke fast and interrupted her. "Were a mistake. I apologize."
"Stop it."
He shook his head and walked past her. "I have to go."
He hadn't even once met her gaze. Her heart begged for his touch, not this coldness. "No. Wait."
He strode out the door like he was chased. She picked up the check from the table and glanced down. Her bank account never had this many zeros. Then she shook her head and tore the check up. The ripping sounded emboldened her. She'd not take a dime of Raphael's money. She loved him. She raced out to the hall to find him.
He was nowhere to be seen.
Who knew what secret passage he'd taken to run from her?
