Once Aria and Rafe reached the mansion, Rafe led Aria straight into his office. As they entered, he wasted no time in informing Aria, “I've mind-linked Alex to join us," he stated firmly. Aria nodded in acknowledgment, feeling a knot of apprehension tighten in her stomach. Moments later, there was a knock on the door, and Alex entered the room. Seated comfortably behind his expansive desk, Rafe leaned back in his plush leather chair and turned his attention to Aria. "What happened in St. Vincent, Aria?" he asked, his voice calm yet expectant. Aria let out a resigned sigh, her shoulders sagging slightly as she recounted the events of her encounter with Alpha Damien. “Alpha Damien is one of the most unreasonable and egotistical man I’ve ever met," she began, her tone tinged with frustration. "He thinks he can get whatever he wants, and he was being completely uncooperative during the peace treaty negotiations and I’m sorry

The next day, Delia and Aria lounged on the beach, their thoughts weighed heavy with the burdens of their respective situations. Aria's need to travel to St. Vincent to successfully secure the peace treaty and Delia's unresolved feelings towards Rafe, cast a shadow over what should have been a carefree day in paradise. “I can't take this anymore," Aria declared, breaking the somber silence. "We're two beautiful young women. We shouldn't be wasting away feeling miserable." Delia arched an eyebrow, intrigued by Aria's sudden declaration. "What do you suggest we do?" she inquired. Aria flashed a mischievous grin. "Let's go sailing," she suggested. "We can use Rafe's sailboat." Delia hesitated for a moment, uncertainty flickering in her eyes. “I don’t want to be anywhere near Rafe’s sailboat,” she confessed. Aria’s expression softened with understanding. “I know you’re upset with him, Delia,” she said gently. “But Rafe’s not around.

As Delia and Aria walked through Rafe’s mansion, Delia couldn’t help but marvel at the beauty that surrounded her. The mansion exuded an air of elegance and opulence, with its grand architecture and meticulously manicured gardens that overlooked Azure Bay. Tall, arched windows flooded the interior with natural light, casting a warm glow over the polished marble floors and intricately carved wooden furnishings. Delicate crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, their sparkling lights dancing in the dimly lit corridors. As they approached the dining room, the anticipation of the dinner ahead mingled with the stress from Nate's unexpected visit hung in the air. She caught sight of Ethan and Alex already waiting inside. Ethan winked at her, giving her a warm smile and Alex stood tall, his expression unreadable as he nodded towards her. Rafe and Nate were the last ones to enter. Rafe went to stand at the head of the table, his silver g

The engines of both vehicles came to a halt as Delia's yellow Mini and Rafe's black Defender rolled into the driveway of Rafe's mansion almost simultaneously. Rafe immediately swung open the door of his car and was by Delia's side in an instant as she emerged from her vehicle. A warm smile graced his lips as he pulled her close, his touch sending warm tingles through her body. Before she could utter a word, his lips found hers in a brief yet demanding kiss, leaving her breathless. Interlacing his fingers with hers, Rafe led Delia towards the grand entrance of the mansion. But as they crossed the threshold, he paused, a wicked glint dancing in his eyes. “Come with me,” he whispered huskily as he guided her towards a small library just off the hallway. Once inside the dimly lit space, Rafe wasted no time in pulling her into his arms, his lips crashing against hers in a passionate frenzy. Their kisses grew more urgent, more insistent, as the heat between them intensified. Rafe

As a stunning redhead approached their table, Rafe's expression shifted slightly, a hint of tension creeping into his features. Delia couldn't help but notice the change, sensing an undercurrent of unease radiating from him. The woman stopped beside their table, her gaze fixed on Rafe with an intensity that made Delia's stomach churn with apprehension. “Well, well, well, if it isn't Raphael Donovan," she purred, her voice dripping with sultry charm Dressed in a form-fitting black dress that hugged her curves in all the right places, the woman was tall and looked like a model with fiery auburn hair. Her attire was accessorized with delicate gold jewelry that glimmered in the soft candlelight, adding a hint of glamour. She was a vision of beauty with full, ruby-red lips that curved into a playful smile, revealing a set of perfectly straight white teeth. Rafe's jaw tightened imperceptibly, his silver eyes narrowing as he regarded the woman before him. "Natasha," he acknowl