AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Can you really say goodbye to me right now?”
He was right, but I’d never admit that to him.
“This is bad.” I agreed.
Raphael groaned before kissing up my neck to my lips. “Let’s go, then.”
He withdrew from me, and I slid down to land on my feet. The sticky reminder of what we’d done slickened my sex. I needed a shower asap.
Raphael adjusted his pants and took a second to groom me into being presentable. He rewarded me with the sweetest kiss before he took my hand.
“Ready?” He asked.
“Yes.”
We strolled toward his suite where he spent all night destroying my heart, soul, and body all night long. It was too much right now. I was defenseless and laying it all out there for him to trample over. He was the sweetest tormentor. Slow lovemaking, whispers of affection, attention to my needs, and more than enough orgasms than I could count.
Each time that he was inside me, nothing separated us. I knew what he was doing and I let it happen. I wasn’t naïve. Having children with him would not make him love me. I couldn’t let go of the fact that any piece of him I could keep forever would be enough. Letting him go had to be easier, knowing he’d given me the ultimate gift. He’d never admit it, but I could feel the love and conviction in every caress of his hands along my skin, every nibble, every bite, and every kiss. He didn’t need to tell me because he’d shown me more than any words could convey.
Raphael Dubois was in love with me. I knew, though, that he’d probably never acknowledge it to himself, let alone me.
He held me between lovemaking sessions. He said nothing, and neither did I. It was nice to just be. No promises. No lies. No reasoning. We both knew. There was no reason to voice it. We had this moment and there was no sense in ruining it.
I could face the truth in the light of day. And now wasn’t that time. I knew I loved Raphael, and that was going to be enough for me. There was peace in knowing that I wasn’t torn about that. I couldn’t make him do anything. Just like I had a year and a half ago, I’d slowly put the pieces of my shattered heart together again. I’d need more glue than I’d used last time, but I was still salvageable. I wouldn’t let him break my soul, too.
Chapter Fourteen
ANISE
Raphael was determined to get me dressed up for his last night in New Orleans. He insisted on a black dress that was molded to every curve that I had. It left my shoulders bare with black lace off the shoulder straps. My earrings, bracelet, necklace, and clutch were silver rhinestones. The sandals that I wore were black with silver studs across the toe strap and up the back of the heel.
I rarely dressed up, but the classiest of times were always on Raphael’s arm. He wore navy slacks, a plum-colored collared shirt that was cuffed up to his elbow. And he was holding me to his chest while we danced to the smooth saxophone be played nearby.
We were taking a cruise, riding along the Mississippi River. In the distance, the water was calm and dark. The sun was setting, highlighting the waves as we moved toward it. The city’s skyline slid by on my right, glittering lights along our path.
“This is the perfect view.” Raphael agreed.
“I told you. It’s so beautiful. A softer side of the city.”
“Much like the woman in my arms.” Raphael kissed the top of my head but continued rocking me as we swayed to the music.
“So you think.”
“I do. Thank you for spending the last two days with me. I tried so much in so little time. I’ll definitely have to come back.”
“You’re going to Dublin, right?”
“Yes. It’s supposed to be a brief stay. I’m going in almost like a mediator for a multibillion-dollar sale. I’ll be there for a couple of weeks and then they’ll send me off on my next mission.”
“Will I see you again?” Maybe the question was one that I should have kept to myself, but I just couldn’t. I needed to know where this was going to lead.
“I hope so. I’m only a call away and maybe you can come and visit me when you get a chance. You’re always welcome where I am.”
There wasn’t a promise for anything more. Just a friendly offer for a visit. The words registered just behind my eyes, making them sting and tear up. I blinked, willing them to stay back. I didn’t want him to see. I tried to wreck my brain for anything that would change the subject. I didn’t want to ruin my makeup by crying and making a fool of myself, no thank you.
“You never told me what that crazy woman Senga told you that had you so frazzled.”
Raphael froze, and I looked up at him, wondering why. “Raph?”
