Page 87 of Forbidden Deception

I shake my head, but I can’t stop this now.

Remo and Helia will want an explanation when they wanted for this for so long. We worked so hard for this. I can’t shut down the operation because of my feelings.

Shivers take over my whole body.

I look at the mirror. I’m pale and wide-eyed. My relationship with Rafael is now on a timer. Helia will find an in and discover where Rafael has hidden his incriminating files, then he’ll destroy them, and Rafael will know.

Rafael has all this AI technology in his home because he protects everything around him. He has a deep-seated need to protect himself and his family, and I will be the one to be his undoing.

My breaths turn into short pants, and dizziness steals my balance.

Cold sweat breaks out on my back.

No.

What will I do? How will I tell Rafael?

I don’t know what to do or how to convince my brother to cancel the plan.

A knock interrupts my thoughts.

“Venezia? Are you okay?”

Rafael.

He’s here. He’s worried about me.

And here I am, destroying him.

“Y-Yes, I just…”

“Open the door.” It isn’t a request.

With shaky hands, I unlock the door, and he walks in, shutting it softly behind him.

As soon as he sees my state, his face hardens, his eyes narrow, and he reaches for me instantly.

“Are you okay? What happened?” He looks all over my face, his hand running over my cheek, over my brows, and brushing back a few strands of my hair.

I dressed up today for him in a short black dress with long sleeves and an open back. My hair is down in waves, and gold jewellery decorates my ears, throat, and wrists.

He loves it when I let my hair down.

“Rafael, I…” My own voice betrays me; so I shut my eyes tightly, holding onto his arm with trembling hands.

Rafael bends down and picks me up, then carries me from the bathroom.

“What are you doing?” I say. “Rafael, your family is here. Put me down,” I hiss, tapping his shoulder.

He shakes his head. “Not when my love is in a frantic state like this.”

My hand falls limp at his words, and nausea swamps me.

My love.

He called memy love.

“What did you just call me?” I whisper, leaning into him, forgetting everything except what he just said.

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