Page 98 of Modern Romance March 2025 (5-8)

“This is amazing.” Her eyes crinkle at the corners as she gives me an impish grin. “Faster?”

I oblige, moving around the terrace with her body pressed firmly against mine. She responds to my movements, following my lead even if she leans in to my hold. The rest of the world fades away as I dance with my wife in the Greek moonlight, acutely aware of her scent, her breath whispering against the base of my throat, her breasts pressed against my chest.

I tighten my hold. I don’t want to let go. The thought blazes through my mind, leaving a burning trail in its wake.

Just in this moment, I tell myself. Not forever. Just for now.

The music winds down. Applause sounds from the rooftop. We stop, still pressed together. Tessa’s eyes drop to my mouth. I lean down, anticipation building in my chest.

“Rafe? There you are.”

I’ve never been upset with my brother. A rarity, I’m sure when it comes to siblings. But right now, as my head whips around and I glare at him over my shoulder, I’m furious.

“What?”

Gavriil slows, holding up his hands. “Whoa, I didn’t…”

His voice trails off as he catches sight of Tessa in my arms. His eyes widen, then narrow as he glances between her and me. My arm tightens around her waist. I don’t like the protective look in his eyes.

“The head of fundraising wants to speak with you.”

I nearly growl at the edge to Gavriil’s voice.

“Go.”

I look back down at Tessa. She smiles up at me. “This is important.”

Her words penetrate my haze of anger and possessiveness. I carry her over to her crutches, keeping her steady as she slips her arms back into the cuffs. Once she’s stable, I step back.

“Are you coming?”

She shakes her head. “I think I’ll stay out here for a little bit. Enjoy the view,” she adds with a gesture to the ruins beneath us.

I stalk toward the doors of the museum, conscious of Gavriil at my side, disapproval radiating from him.

“Say your piece and be done with it.”

“I’m just surprised at the difference between you and Tessa compared to my wedding.”

“You disapprove.”

“You married her for her father’s company and then didn’t bother to chase after her when she left. Of course I disapprove, especially when I wonder what game you’re playing with her now.”

I know what my little brother thinks of me. Have known it for years. But tonight, for the first time in a long time, it cuts deep.

“She’s an adult. It was her choice to go.”

Gavriil’s hand lands on my arm, pausing me in my tracks. My eyes flick down to his fingers, then back up to his face. A clear warning to let go. One he doesn’t heed.

“Why are you doing this?”

“What?”

“Dancing with her, showing her off at a gala in front of hundreds of people?”

“She’s not something to be shown off,” I grind out.

Gavriil’s eyes narrow as he releases my arm. “Has something happened between you two?”

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