Page 12 of Rafael

Chapter Eight - Rafael

I'm surprised that I sleep as late as I do. And I'm disappointed that Amelia isn't in my arms. Her side of the bed is cold and a glance at the clock shows that it's getting close to eight AM. I can't remember the last time I slept so late.

I've always felt safe here. I only hope that Amelia does too.

I come out into the living room and she's sitting on the couch, her legs pulled up tight against her chest and her cheek resting on her knee.Â

"What's wrong?" It's not just the situation or the crime she's witnessed. That much is obvious.

Amelia looks up and swipes her hand across her face, wiping away tears. I want to find whoever made her cry and make them pay, but I fear I might have had something to do with it.

I want to get close to her and gather her up in my arms, but I don't know if she'll let me and I'm too much of a coward to find out.

Then she looks at him with pleading eyes and I can't stop from crossing the room.

"I called my brother," she confesses as I gather her into my arms and hold her close.

That's not unexpected. And maybe Angelo will think of a way out of the situation. "Was he upset?" I probably should have called him myself, but everything has been a whirlwind.

"You're not angry?" She seems surprised.

I want to murder every man in her life who has ever made her feel like she needed to justify herself. Instead I keep my tone gentle. "He's your brother. Of course you called him." I'm just happy she came to me first.Â

"He said he'll handle it. But I'm afraid of the cost." She leans even closer to me, as if I can take away her pain.

I want to. I'd rip out my own heart if it would stop her tears.

I know what she means. Angelo's tried to stay out of the family business his entire life. He's been successful so far. But asking a favor from his grandfather won't do him any good. Not if he wants to stay away.

"You know what you have to do if you want to protect him." I have to say it.Â

Amelia is already shaking her head. "Whatever he's going to do, he's going to do it fast. Even if I agree to protection it would be too late. I don't know how we stop him." She pauses and then adds. "I don't know if we should."

"Then what do you want to do?" We need to make a decision. Angelo might not be successful. The cost might be too high. And Amelia will need to make a choice.

"I want to go back in time four days and not walk down the alley." She squeezes her eyes shut and shakes her head. "Of course, if I never did that I wouldn't have you."

My lips ache to kiss her. "I've been yours for the taking for years. You just never asked." I don't know how she didn't see it. I feel like I wanted her forever.

Our gazes lock. "If I run away would you run with me?" Her eyes are wide as she asks, her jaw set.Â

It takes bravery to ask a question like that.

It's something I haven't been able to think of myself. I have a life here, just like she does. But what would I give up for the love of my life?Â

"You say the word and I'm gone with you."

I don't know which of us moves first, but then Amelia's lips are on mine and all thoughts of running away and the danger she's facing melt away with her taste.

My cock springs to life, iron hard in my pants and I want to lay her out on the couch and bury myself in her until she forgets her own name. She's on the same page.Â

Her fingers push down the elastic band of my bottoms and wrap around my thick length until I'm groaning with desire.Â

"You're good at that." I gasp out as she strokes me. It should be too much. But I'm not some undisciplined boy. Though if she keeps it up, this may be over sooner than I want. And I'm not coming until I'm inside of her.

"Show me what you like," she demands. She may be new to sex but there's a confidence to her that I can feel blossoming already and I want to see it grow. Was there a question of whether or not I could run away with her? Not anymore. If it's the only way I get to see her forever I'll be at her side.

I want to cover her hand with mine, but I give her instructions instead. "Stroke me harder and a bit faster." She does exactly as I say and I almost regret the words. But it feels too good and watching the way her brows draw together in concentration is something I'll never forget.