RAFAEL I struck out my racket, took a split-step in the center of the court, and then hit the ball back to my opponent. The rhythm of our rallies kept going; neither my competitive challenger nor I were backing down. Tennis was my best sport whenever I needed to clear my head. There were a few of them that kept messing with my rationality: Dad’s retirement and his impossible request, PeekFlix, and Carter’s delectable assistant. I’d avoided my father over the past few days. I deliberately didn’t come to their house over the weakened when I usually did to evade further discussion about marriage. I still thought it was ridiculous. I had a meeting with Emilio tomorrow evening. Carter arranged it for me with Sue, so it was all good. It seemed they were interested in what I’d been offering them so far. He still couldn’t decide, which meant he was still considering New Star and Dragon’s Gate. As for Savannah, I still had difficulty getting her out of my system, knowing she was just a flo
SAVANNAH“This is outrageous!” I tossed my phone on the bed, frustrated at seeing the article about me and Rafael Sebastian. There was even a picture of Micheal’s house on the page. “This is my fault. I dragged him into my mess.” I walked back and forth across Riley’s bedroom. I was staying in the Allen sibling’s apartment in Manhattan until I found a place to move in.“Can you please sit down? My head feels like breaking watching you right now. This can’t be just your fault. The guy is practically a celebrity,” Riley said. I told her everything I had already spoken to Wesley, so she knew the whole story about Rafael and then Sofia and Edward’s infidelity.I perched next to her. “Well, my face is blurred. I shouldn’t have let him drive me home. Michael will be furious if he sees this.”“He won’t find out. You know Michael isn’t interested in internet gossip.”“I’ll apologize to Rafe tomorrow.” I buried my face in my palms. “God! It’s embarrassing.”“Or don’t.” Wesley entered, already
SAVANNAHIt wasn’t Carter sitting in the backseat when I slid into the car in front of our office building. It was Rafael.“Good evening, Savannah.” His voice was cultured and smooth.“H-hi. Good evening. Carter didn’t say—”“Are you surprised?” He smirked playfully. I felt his gaze on me, but I refused to look. Rafael looked charismatic, as always. He could even put on a sack and would still look impeccable. He was draped in a blue three-piece pinstripe suit, expensive watch, and custom oxford shoes. It was incredible how he managed to look pristine from carrying the company’s most demanding and challenging position.I instantly became highly conscious of how good he smelled. I breathed him in, welcoming his mild spicy and musk perfume that I’d missed after we parted that night in front of my brother’s house last week.Lust sparked on my skin. Images of me on his lap, sucking his tongue, and his long-fingered hands on my bare back instantly appeared in the back of my mind. I’d go cra
SAVANNAH After dinner, Jocelyn and I sat on the couch while Rafe and the Estrella men spoke. Jocelyn asked more about me: my age, family, and job, so I talked about Michael and how I landed a post in Carter’s office. She also mentioned Sofia, who she said was the same age as me. Little did she know, I knew her daughter so much that she even betrayed me and stole my husband. But of course, I couldn’t tell her that. She seemed so proud of her. How would she feel if her daughter, a rising star, had become a mistress? I wouldn’t be able to forgive Sofia. However, I could imagine now how she became the way she was. After leaving the states, she was all alone in Mexico. Her parents wanted her to be an actress or a singer. But she had no friends or siblings, couldn’t speak her dad’s language fluently, and had been bullied while her parents were always busy with work. She told me she never wanted to leave New York. Mexico was where she was born, but she grew up in the US. “She’s skeptical t
SAVANNAH After a few more minutes of meaningful conversations with Jocelyn, her husband called her to join them, so I finally got the chance to excuse myself to go to the restroom. Rafael only nodded when I whispered into his ear. It seemed their conversation wouldn’t end soon. Emilio was having a good time telling the guys about his journey to establishing his business. But I took it as a good sign. I emptied my bladder, washed my hands, and retouched my makeup. As I combed my hair, someone called my name. It was Gina, another high school classmate. “You’re here! I thought you weren’t coming! Riley said you have a work appointment.” Gina’s voice was bouncing throughout the four corners of the restroom. I frowned. “What? I really wasn’t—Hold on. Is it here? In this restaurant?” “Yes! Oh my God.” She briefly hugged me. “You’re still so beautiful, Savi.” She studied me under her long eyelashes. Gina was a few inches shorter than me but had become more sophisticated, given her design
RAFAEL “The news didn’t come from us,” Jacob insisted, referring to the recent news, mentioning the figure of my initial ten billion offer, which had already been raised to eighteen. “We were surprised as well. But we will investigate. I assure you that.” “Please. We can’t always trust the people around us, Mr. Estrella, but I’m not accusing anyone. We just need to be more watchful,” I said frankly. My competitors would try to do anything to cripple me. “But Rafael, is Ms. Gibson alright? She has been gone for more than several minutes.” Emilio looked at his wife. “She seems very much lively to me,” Jocelyn said, facing me as well. “I like her, Mr. Sebastian. Very sensible girl and wise. Thank you for taking her here. It’s not very often I meet someone I can talk to.” “Really? What did you talk about?” Emilio queried curiously. She patted her husband’s knee, chuckling. “Something that boys shouldn’t know.” I checked my wristwatch. It had been ten minutes since Savi went out. “I’
SAVANNAHWe used the executive elevator that led straight to the twenty-fourth floor. I’d only been there once when Wesley and I went around the management floors. I didn’t see the CEO’s office because Rafael Sebastian wasn’t in and didn’t normally meet with the new employees. He gave all that hiring process and authority to managers and HR.I struggled to maintain my breath as the car went up. I became entirely aware of Rafe’s strong presence in the tight space around me. I wasn’t claustrophobic, but this should hint at what people felt experiencing it. My cheeks turned heated, so I gazed down at the floor. We were quiet. There weren’t any employees present in the building anymore at this hour. This was probably the longest elevator ride I’d ever had.The doors opened, but to my surprise, Rafe took my hand, clasping it with his warm fingers. The surge of electricity rushed through my veins, reaching my heart to cause a rapid rhythm. He led me out to the elevator and marched straight
SAVANNAH“This is still unbelievable and unrealistic,” I said. I’d learned my lesson from my failed marriage. It wasn’t a game or something you’d just throw away when you grew tired. At least on my part.“You married for love, but where did it take you? Feelings fade, Savi. When it does, every foundation you build will be broken. Love is overrated if you ask me. I’m sure you understand that.”“Have you considered what your family would say if they found out you’re dating some random woman?” I argued because he couldn’t see my point.He was Rafael Sebastian. A billionaire bachelor, soon to be king of an empire and head of a family with an absolute but ludicrous tradition.I was just Savannah Gibson, an ordinary woman in New York dreaming of having children and living a contented life with my family. Was that so hard to find? If Edward couldn’t give that to me, someone out there might… someone less complicated and willing to commit.“I chose you because you’re different from anyone I’ve