Page 75 of Legacy

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“Rafe.. what are you doing here?”

His eyes trail my pajamas or lack there of.

His smirk drops and he steps inside invading my space. He’s too quick.

In a breath, he shuts the door behind him, spins us, and presses me back against it—his face inches from mine, eyes boring into me.

“I’m checking,” he says softly.

I blink.

“For what?”

“For the woman I know. He doesn’t get to break you again Adriana.”

My breath hitches.

“Do you have this?”

I nod.

“Adriana, do you have this?”

My throats tightens.

“Yes.”

Rafael presses his forehead to mine. “I love you kid, but you have to be ready. You’re strong.”

I take a breath and hold it.

His knuckles graze my cheek. “Be the woman I know.”

His whisper hits me where I need it.

I wrap my arms around his neck and hug him. He holds me close.

Familiarity.

Strength.

Friendship.

I exhale.

“I have this. He won’t break me again.”

***

I feel like I can’t breathe.

I changed outfits six times before I settled on a cream blouse and high-waisted trousers, hoping they’d make me look put together even though I feel anything but.

No red.

Not anymore.

It used to be my favorite.

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