“So soon,” he said carefully. “Why the rush? Did you force her?”
Before Raphael could answer, soft footsteps approached.
Riana appeared in the doorway.
Her presence shifted everything.
“Ralph,” she said quietly, touching his arm. “Give me ten minutes. Please. I want you to trust me.”
Raphael studied her face, searching, then exhaled slowly. “Ten. Nothing more”
He leaned in deliberately, cupped her face, and kissed her. Deep, unashamed, possessive.
Wesley looked away. His hands forming in a fist on his side.
When Raphael pulled back, he whispered, “I’ll be inside. Ten minutes counting”
Riana smiled and nodded, “Check on Willa, will you”
The door then closed.
Riana turned to Wesley, arms crossing instinctively. “You should have called.”
“You need to live
