ANEIRA
My alone time was shattered when Rafael stepped into the room, his tall frame filling the doorway, and his presence thickening the air.
"Aneira," he spoke. "Freshen up. You have a guest waiting in the sitting room."
I turned my head and looked at him. "A guest?" My voice cracked slightly, surprise laced with suspicion. "Who would want to see me?"
He leaned closer, stopping only when his breath brushed my skin. "Does it matter?" He looked at me. "You will wash your face, change into something decent, and go down. I don't like to repeat myself."
"And if I don't?" I challenged him, though my voice came out softer than I intended.
Rafael's lips curved into a smile that wasn't a smile at all. His hand reached out, cupping my chin with just enough pressure to remind me
