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He barks out a laugh. “Don’t let Vincenzo hear you say that. He’s got it out for the croissant-lovers.”
Now I laugh, and it feels good. Rafael is funny, but I already knew that. He’s charming. I found that out when I spoke to him at the beginning of the key party, before I knew who he was.
“So I guess it’s a good thing Belle falls in love with Beast in the end,” he continues when I don’t say anything.
“Maybe that’s why I’m okay being here.”
“Or it could be something else,” he says carefully, and I wonder what he’s going to come up with now. His tone has changed a little. Less light and a little more careful. Like he may offend me.
“Like what?”
He shakes his head. “I don’t know. Never really knew how to explain it. Something about Vincenzo just makes you feel…”
“Safe?”
He nods. “Yeah, safe. And wanted. He has this way of looking at you.”
“You’d know if he didn’t want you here because he wouldn’t look at you at all.”
“He wouldn’t even breathe in your direction.”
I smile. “Yeah…”
“I’m sorry this happened the way it did, but are you happy now?”
I shrug again, reaching for my water. The glass is full of condensation, all the ice melted, and it’s turning warm. “I think I am. I don’t hate it. I’ve accepted my life won’t be like I’d planned, but nothing ever goes to plan, does it? I’ve known Enzo my whole life, and maybe this is how it’s supposed to be? He isn’t mean to me. The exact opposite, honestly.” I shake my head again. “I don’t hate it.”
“Good,” he says firmly. “Because I wouldn’t like it if you were unhappy.”
I look up, catching his bright green gaze. They’re like two giant emerald orbs. Gorgeous and so rare.
“What are your top five favorite movies?” I ask, ready to change the subject. How will I ever accept my life and move on if I can’t stop talking about it?
“John Wick one, two, three, and four. Knock Knock.”
“Wow, and I thought all five would be Keanu Reeves’ movies.”
He chuckles. “They are.”
“Oh,” I giggle. “Knock Knock sounds scary.”
“It’s a thriller. So, close. You wanna go watch it?”
“Right now?” I question as he stands.
“Yeah, why not?”
I glance at my phone. “It’s almost time for dinner.”
He holds his hand out. “I’ll let Enzo know to have it served in the theater.”
My eyes widen. “We can do that?” I whisper.
He smirks and urges his hand toward me. “We can do whatever the hell we want.”
I gather my things, take his hand, and exit through the library, almost bumping into Enzo on the way out. He looks us over carefully, focusing on where Rafael is holding my hand. He raises a brow at me, and turns to give Rafael a look that says he isn’t sure Rafael and I being together like this is a good idea.
“We’re going to watch a movie. Can you have dinner brought in there?” Rafael asks.
