Page 98 of Hidden Raphael

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He stepped closer to her, and again every cell in her body wished to touch him. She held still as he told her, "I can't love you back. Not the way you deserve."

She hugged her stomach. One day he might love her. She had to hold on to that hope. "What do I deserve?"

"A man who has his whole heart and soul."

She shook her head. This conversation wasn't how it played out in her head. He was supposed to have her on the bed already. "That prince among men never showed up. Even if the Prince Charming fairytale guy showed up in my life, he's far too late. I love you."

He rubbed his newly shaved chin. "Why? You deserve the best."

She shrugged. There was only one answer: "You're the one in my heart."

He froze again. "Kimberly, I can't."

She swallowed. What else could she do? She lowered her eyelashes. "Can't or won't?"

"Don't try to convince me."

She shook her head and walked to the door. This conversation had gone all wrong. Perhaps she should have waited. She'd regroup and try again. "Fine. Dinner will be ready in a few hours. I'll be in my room."

His hand brushed against hers as she passed. She stilled as he told her, "Wait."

She turned back to him, but her head shook. He didn't love her. "Why?"

"I love you."

Her mouth fell open and her heartbeat sped up. She shook her head. "Was that difficult?"

His Adam's apple bounced as he swallowed, and his grip on her hand sent heat throughout her body. "No, but you shouldn't love me back."

She turned to him and placed her other hand on their hand-holding. "Why not?"

His eyelashes drooped over his eyes and he didn't look at her. "I don't deserve you."

Her nerves tingled near him, but she tugged her hands free. She needed to be alone and sort out the mess in her heart at the moment. She was so confused. "So I deserve to be with someone I don't love?"

He curled his hands into fists at his sides. She had approached this conversation all wrong. He then told her, "You're making this difficult. You were supposed to be gone."

Perhaps she should have gone on the ship, but it was far too late now. She turned and headed to the door. "I'm right here."

"Come here."

She stopped and turned around. This time, he strode over to her and his hands wrapped around her hips. A smile grew on her face, and finally, his lips met hers and the fire inside her flared. His kiss was firm and delicious and she swore he branded her.

The hair rose on her arms, and she brushed her hands around his waist. His towel loosened and she reached lower to squeeze his butt.

He took a step forward and led her backward. She stayed in his embrace as he lifted her shirt above her head.

She helped and unhooked her bra.

At the edge of the bed, she went onto her tiptoes and kissed him again. He threw her clothes across the room and reached down to unhook her jeans.

His lips left hers, and she stepped out of her jeans. "I love you, Raphael Murphy."

"I love you too, Kimberly."

His hands then lowered her underwear and the only thing left on her naked body was the medallion.

She ran her hands through his hair and then raked them down his back as he lowered her on the bed.