Page 32 of Forbidden Deception

“Don’t have one.” Rafael mutters.

“Hugs or kisses?” This gets me a side eye, but I stay silent, waiting for him to answer.

“Hugs.” He rolls his eyes.

“Me, too.” I grin. “Favourite food?”

“Spicy chicken rice.”

“Mine is a spicy burger from my favourite restaurant. Yum.” My mouth waters just thinking about it.

Rafael’s lip lifts the tiniest bit, and it makes me smile.

“Night in or night out?”

“In,” he answers, and it isn’t even surprising to me.

“Me, too. I just love the calmness of staying in, eating and talking, and having a peaceful night. Going out seems too much,” I answer while looking at the city around me. “Did you know—”

“We are here.” He cuts me off and parks in front of my fake apartment building.

“Oh! That was so quick. I enjoyed it, Mr Gustav. Sweet dreams.” I grin at him, opening my door and getting out with my bag. “Throw the trash for me, will you?” I lean down, peeking through the window at him and catch him throwing a glance over his shoulder at the pizza box.

He looks back at me and nods.

“Drive safe, Mr Boss.”

Rafael reels back a fraction at the nickname. I bite my lip holding a laugh in.

I get up and skip up the steps, my heart jumping with me. Once I reach the door, I look back to see Rafael nod through the window at me. He honks once, then speeds off.

A laugh spills out of me remembering his face when I called him Mr Boss. It’s a stupid nickname, but it’s my all-time favourite moment.

When I am on my way home, with Leo driving me, silence falls, and I realise my mistake.

I never got my hands on his phone to install the software.

I slap a hand on my forehead, and Leo’s concerned gaze connects with mine in the mirror.

11

Inotice two men standing near a black SUV outside of my work the next morning as I walk in. My throat tightens. I know exactly who they are and what they are doing here. A shudder passes through me, and I hurry into the building.

They’re looking for me.

Samuel’s people are looking for me.

I smile at Danyi in the elevator but sneeze right after. She playfully scrunches her nose at me, but when her eyes fall to the bow earrings in my ears, she brightens up instantly.

“You’re sick, but I’ll let it slide because you are wearing the earrings.” She gives me a sideways hug.

“It’s just the rain catching up to me.” I sneeze once more, and she jumps away, attaching herself to the far elevator wall. Thankfully, it’s only us two here.

“Ew! Get away, please.”

I shake my head when she scurries away once her floor arrives.

“Text me!” she shouts over her shoulder. I smile.

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