SAVANNAHBenjamin was waiting for me at the beachfront, sitting on one of the benches. Rafe’s brothers played by the beach and with Anya watching them mess around. With the picturesque scenery and light atmosphere, I realized I shouldn’t be worried about this.“I didn’t expect he would ask for you. I’m sorry,” Rafe whispered. His forehead pressed against mine.I ran my hands along his arm. “I’ll be fine. Trust me. I can handle myself.”He nodded. “That’s not what I’m worried about.”“If he ask me to break up with you and offers money, I’ll simply decline. If he tries to throw juice on my face, I’ll immediately jump to the beach, pretend I can’t swim, and scream, so he has no choice but to save me.”“That’s pretty detailed.” He laughed softly. “Fine. I forgot who I was talking to. You’re you.”“Yes, I got it. Okay?”“You do.” He cupped my face and kissed me.I walked toward Benjamin. He was looking into the distance, watching the waves while sipping his fruit juice. The morning sunligh
RAFAELI brought Savannah upstairs, and we strolled from the left wing to the right. While we were on it, I showed her where each hallway and door led.My parents’ bedroom was on the right wing by the end of the passage, the biggest room on the floor. Across from them were Anya and Julian’s bedroom, while in the middle was Carter’s. On the opposite, in the left wing were mine and Adam’s. I had a second spacious bedroom on the floor because I was the first son.The middle had a common room, which my father used as his study. It had an office, a library, and a piano. In that room, Anya was choosing her dress with Mika, my mother’s personal stylist.When we came in, Anya was fitting in a charcoal knee-length maternity dress with a sparkling front gliding over her pregnancy curves. Behind her were racks of clothes, dresses, and suits, picked specifically for tonight’s party.“This is really lovely and comfortable,” she said, pinching the fabric of her dress in front of the body-sized mirr
SAVANNAH“You look wonderful!” Anya exclaimed as she entered the room. I’d just finished putting on everything—the elegant evening dress, makeup, accessories, and the super pretty Dior shoes Mika provided me. But I couldn’t help but admire her looks tonight, too. She chose the charcoal dress.“Wow. You look damn sexy. I mean, even with the baby bump.” Seriously, she was a goddess. I’d only noticed her small delicate face now that she lifted her hair.She stroked her belly. “Thank you. Well, this is the sexiest part.”“Have you seen Rafe?”“Still with Julian.” She clicks her tongue. “There’s this last-minute thing they must do, but he told me he’ll see you at the party. They’re already dressed, so I’m here as your chaperone.”How could I not love her? I could tell how precious she was.“Oh, God, no. I should be your chaperone.”We laughed.“Come on. Party’s already going.”Even though I was anxious about how Rafe would introduce me to everyone, this excited me at the same time. Eager,
SAVANNAHFriend? Knowing this now wasn’t strange because having a friend wasn’t impossible. But this was still surprising because Rafe mentioned several times about having no friends.I wanted to ask her how they became friends because I’d only just learned a few things about Rafe’s life, but it’d be rude, so I shook her hand instead.“Yes, I’m Savannah.”“Rafe’s girlfriend, I heard.” She flashed a grin. “You don’t mind if I sit for a bit, right? My parents are busy doing their own thing right now.” She leaned forward and whispered, “They love coming to any of the Sebastians’ events. I get to meet new people, so I came along.”Alright. She was friendly. Or maybe she thought they were friends because her parents were acquainted with Rafe’s. For some reason, my heart started pounding against my ribcage. I didn’t have a good feeling about this.Well, she was already sitting.“So, how did you know Rafe?”“Um, it’s a long story, actually.” A story that wasn’t her business to know.“I’m ask
SAVANNAH“Or you can tell him yourself…” Carter spun to the side. His sinfully delicious brother had appeared on the shaded side of the front porch. Even in the shadows, he was still beautiful that it hurt.“Where the hell were you?” he raged, marching toward me.“Hey, man,” Carter announced, but Rafe ignored him.“Alright. That’s my signal.” My boss raised his hands and made an exit.Rafe waited until his brother was out of the picture so he could grab my shoulders. “Why would you do that?”Crap. This was the time I hoped we weren’t alone.“Do what? You look busy with your friend.”“I don’t have a friend. Erin is certainly not my friend. I told you I don’t have any friends.”“Yes, because she’s just someone you had a—” I swallowed dryly “—whatever the hell that was. Honestly, I don’t want to care anymore.”He heaved a sigh. “If you have a problem, you can ask me instead of walking away. You’re driving me insane.”“Would you answer me if I asked you?”Blood drained from his face. He c
SAVANNAHI didn’t know what time it was. The room was dark and silent. But after a power nap, I felt a movement on Rafe’s side of the bed. He glided his arms around my waist and buried his head on the back of my neck. His pure male scent, with notes of sandalwood and mild soap, instantly filled the air.He didn’t speak, only breathing so softly as his way of communication.“When did you come in?” I asked.“About half an hour ago.”Silence.“Are we okay?” he whispered.I nodded. Even though this was happening to us, I knew in my heart that I still wanted to trust him. He wouldn’t purposely hurt me. Rafe’s embrace tightened, letting out a low groan.Yielding, I closed my eyes. Because only then could I fall asleep peacefully.In the morning, I awoke alone. Thinking that Rafe probably just went for a run, I went to the closet and found nothing else but my suitcase. Rafe’s things were gone.***I ignored the rampage in my chest, dressed in a rush, not bothering with my hair or whether I
SAVANNAHI spent the next hour talking to Michael about Rafe. He’d love a bit of honesty, although I kept some privacy for myself. He listened, but he was frantic. My brother wasn’t the type to show it all throughout.“Savannah, that is not okay to leave a girlfriend alone at god knows where for any reason,” he pressed.“I know, but I don’t want to make an issue about it before hearing his explanation.”He shook his head. “You’re too kind.”“Well, I was raised this way.”He arched his eyebrow. “So it’s my fault.”“No! Because you’re too kind to me.” I held his hand. “Michael, we’re still new. He’s still figuring things out because the last time he had a relationship was over a decade ago.”“And you believed him?”“Yes. Why would a man lie about his relationship? As far as I know, men like to brag about it.”“Well… You’re not wrong, although I’m not the type,” he defended. “But please know that if he ever hurt you, he’ll have to face me.”I gave him a smile. “Thank you, but I’ll figure
SAVANNAHThe past few weeks have been busy in the office. I missed Rafe terribly despite my anger at what happened in Long Island. His absence had me overthinking things about him and Erin—things he refused to tell me.I hadn’t heard from Rafe since his last message and only followed him on the news. He was in many meetings and conferences, but Billy and Carter assured me everything was going fine. They didn’t tell me when they were returning. I’d just take what I could get and let him explain when he returned.But today, I stood before his brother because I needed to leave early. Brett was picking me up to take me to Brooklyn, eagerly looking forward and hoping I’d meet Michael’s family. However, Carter had to bring another piece of news.“Rafe’s returning today.”A pool of emotions lifted up my heart. Excitement? Restlessness? I wasn’t sure. “He is? What time?”“Not sure, but he has probably left the office now.”I heaved an exhale. “Thanks for giving me an update every now and then