Rafael's POV:
I felt a surge of anger within me as I witnessed that jerk lay a hand on Astrid. The instinct to protect her coursed through my veins, and the urge to confront him almost overwhelmed me. Yet, a sense of satisfaction crept in as Astrid, in her own way, stood up for herself and taught him a lesson.
My frustration spilled out, and I began to blabber about the emotions I had long buried. Before I could comprehend what was happening, Astrid abruptly silenced me with a kiss, and it was the best feeling. Something shook within me, and before I could realize what was going on, she drew away from me.
The floodgate of emotions I had suppressed resurfaced, and I found myself backing her against the wall, holding her cheeks, and pouring all those feelings into that kiss. When Astrid a
