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I complied and straddled his lap, curious to see where he would take this. Every muscle I possessed melted as Raf’s hands smoothed from my thighs, to my hips, up my back, then settled around the base of my neck. His thumbs rhythmically stroked over my jaw line, and the fidelity shining within his dark eyes made my breath still.

“You’re my favorite ride, mamacita. My ride or die. If I’m not riding with you, then I’m not riding at all. Not now that you’ve given me ideas on what the future could look like. I love you back, baby girl.”

I forced a heavy swallow as emotion filled my chest. Those beautiful words spoken from within an exterior that, on first impressions, appeared to be immune to such poetry of the heart… Those voiced thoughts were the reason a sheen of moisture formed across my eyes.

“That was beautiful,” I whispered. “You’re my favorite ride, too.”

Kissing Rafael was always a craving I easily succumbed to, and with an overpowering need to show him how full he made my heart, I took his face in my hands and kissed him with everything I had. With my entire soul, until I became heady and lightheaded, lifted from the earth and floating in that space that was specially reserved for wholeheartedly loving the one we chose.

Firm fingers simultaneously dug into my booty and splayed across my upper back, anchoring me as if I’d vanish without warning. Each hum of approval rumbling from Raf’s throat became reciprocated with my own, and I liberally gave myself to him, severing the invisible ties of my past that always held a tiny part of me back.

Raf was the custodian of my heart and soul, and together we were proof that two broken people could make a beautiful pair.

The shrill tone of Raf’s phone cut through our bubble. The intrusion had him groaning and muttering a string of curses while continuing to kiss me.

I giggled against his lips and sat back, panting and pink-cheeked. “You going to get that?”

Raf snorted. “Does it look like I am?”

His rebelliousness was rewarded by the phone falling silent, only to start ringing again.

On a disgruntled grunt, he gripped my lower back as he rolled to the side, far enough to find his phone that had fallen from his back pocket.

“It’s Colton,” he said, then answered. “You’re coming on way too strong, bro.”

A string of laughter came through the phone and a quick-witted reply had Raf sniggering. A question then turned his expression serious.

“With Greer. Hold up.” Raf took a moment to kiss me before sliding me from his lap. “I’mma take this one outside.”

I nodded despite disquiet washing through my chest once more. I’d just started collecting our strewn belongings when the door re-opened and Raf reappeared.

“That was quick.”

“That’s because guys cut straight to it.” He shoved the phone into his back pocket and glanced around for his shirt.

I held it up for him. “You’re leaving, aren’t you?”

“Yeah, I need to shoot and sign some paperwork for Colt. I want to get it over and done with.” He reached for me and smoothed his hands around my hips. “I’ll call you later; it might be late.”

“You’d better.”

“I’m a man of my word, mamacita.”

After another searing kiss, he redressed, shoved into his shoes, and sent me one last smirk before exiting my condo, leaving behind nothing but the lingering scent of his cologne.

I inhaled deeply and looked around my living space, shocked at how startlingly empty it seemed with his departure.

Souls and secrets had been purged in this room today. And despite the residual devastation yet to disperse, everything about me felt lighter. Above all, there was acceptance, and that was all either of us could ask for.

Chapter50

-Greer-

The next day I was up early, preparing myself to walk into work with my head held high. The past few days had taken a toll on my energy levels, but after Raf and I laid everything bare yesterday, it seemed appropriate to move on today without looking back.

I was already waiting for Jethro at the curb when he pulled up with a wide smile. He got out and opened the rear door for me.

“Mornin’, Miss Landon. It’s good to have you back.”

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