Page 86 of Forbidden Deception

A hand lands on my thigh, and I throw Rafael a glare, but he’s taking a sip of his water. He looks so calm, like there’s nothing out of the norm for him. He’s enjoying the little game he’s playing with me. I turn back to his family, trying to ignore the heat of his palm on my leg.

Rafael’s presence feels consuming. Ignoring him is mission impossible. How could I? This man has been on my mind day and night. His touch makes me forget about everything. He cherishes me like I am his one and only. How could I ignore him when he sits beside me in his home while they joke with and dote on me like this?

Khyros has warmed up to me, and I can’t let anyone down.

“Don’t worry. We won’t judge. You can continue.” Liya smiles warmly at me while Mikko watches his daughter take a spoonful of rice.

“I wanted to actually know how you two met,” I say.

Liya lights up at the question.

Jasmine giggles and grins up at her father, who visibly melts at the sight.

“I have a question,” Eiran asks, sitting upright.

I turn to him.

“Are you here as his assistant or his girlfriend?”

My smile drops.

“Great question, Eiran…” Rafael sighs, shaking his head.

The question makes everyone perk up, including Khyros, the brother who is too quiet yet incredibly observant.

“Wondering the same, actually,” Khyros mutters.

“Can I have that? Please?” Jasmine points at the sparkling water in Khyros’s glass, and he just hands it over.

The sight makes me miss Aurora and Lavinia. I haven’t seen them in so long, and I just want to hug Lavinia and kiss her all over.

“Well?” Khyros turns to me again, and I swallow, casting a curious glance at Rafael. He’s literally sitting there, a smile on his face. Why is he not saying anything?

I hold my breath, not knowing exactly how to answer. What if I get this all wrong? Rafael has been very open about what he wants from me, and that is something long term. He’s not doing this for the sake of doing it.

But it doesn’t matter. The small doubt that someday he may not want me, that he might leave me, haunts me. I shouldn’t feel like just because of my parents, nor should I let it define my future relationships, but I can’t help it.

I keep thinking that after this is all over, he won’t look back. He won’t come back to me.

“Khyros, Eiran, you both know the answer to that, don’t you? So stop grilling Venezia and get on with your food,” Rafael finally answers, easing the knots in my chest.

My phone buzzes on the table.

Pushing away Rafael’s hand, I pick it up off the table and see a green heart emoji.

“Could you please excuse me? I have to take this call.”

They smile and nod.

I walk past the grand kitchen, the three living rooms, and into the hallway with four toilets on either side of the hallway.

I shut the door behind me and open the message.

Helia:I got the software going. It’s on now.

My phone drops out of my hand and hits the floor with a loud crash.

No. I forgot I told him and Remo that I am in Rafael’s family home, and Helia has started to break down their most powerful security defences.

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