Page 68 of Forbidden Deception

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“Is something wrong?”

I look up at Rafael’s voice, the sound raising goosebumps on my skin.

“Something wrong” would be the wrong term for my current situation. How do I put into simple words that these fleeting feelings that I wasn’t too sure of are about to wreck my life?

When I was in boarding school, no one ever asked me that question. Every girl in that school was there because their parents didn’t want them. I don’t know if anyone truly cared about any of us.

Rafael’s question hits me in the gut.

Remo made sure to prioritise my health and well-being, even if he was quiet about it, and Aurora was there for me, too. But I just couldn’t trouble them with my worries. My scars and pain ran far deeper than my skin.

I sigh, look into his concerned eyes, and nod. I can’t put it into words, but surely, I can depend on him for a little bit of comfort.

Rafael takes a step inside my office, walks around the table, and leans down, grasping one arm of my chair while the other softly tilts my chin up. Just the softness and carefulness of his actions makes me want to weep.

He runs his thumb back and forth, his powerful, deep eyes full of emotions most people probably don’t believe this man capable of feeling.

“I feel a bit… tired.” That’s the best way to describe how I feel. I have spent nights worrying, thinking, and worrying some more.

About me. Rafael. Remo. Everyone and everything.

I want my subconscious to quieten. Even for a day.

Rafael tilts his head and takes hold of my hand. He pulls me out of my chair, then grabs my bag.

“Wait. Where are we going?”

“Somewhere.”

“Nice. Thanks for the information,” I huff.

He turns so sharply that I almost slam into him.

A smirk paints his face. Twisting my arm behind my back, he attaches me to his front, plastering me with invisible glue. Leaning down, his lips graze my ear. I can literally feel his smile against my ear. My stomach dips and twists inside me.

“Don’t throw that sass at me. We are in the office, but don’t forget I own this city. I will not hesitate to take it out of you.” He leans back, eyes darker than a shot of espresso.

“Okay, so I should please you, then?”

I hold in a smile when his eyes narrow.

“Watch it, Venezia,”

“Sure,” I say and rise on my tiptoes to reach his ear. “I’ll follow your rules if you follow mine.” I rake a hand down his chest, feeling every bump of his chiselled body down to his belt. I hook a finger and pull teasingly.

“You think I will follow your rules?” he grumbles.

I huff and lean back, pulling my hand from his hold, but he doesn’t let go.

“You won’t?” I look at him, fluttering my lashes. This man is so down bad for me that he would drop to his knees for me. At least, I think he would.

Shaking his head, he turns and walks towards the elevator. Him holding my cute girly bag makes me giggle in the elevator.

He doesn’t spare me a glance and is still holding my hand and bag when we walk through the office. I keep my head is down, and rip my hand out not wanting anyone to think of my position even remotely in the wrong manner. No one likes me as it is. This office is very hostile.

I don’t want it to get worse.

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