SAVANNAH“You actually came!” Riley squeezed me in her arms as soon as I showed up in front of her restaurant. She still had the black apron wrapped around her waist. I hugged her back, still wondering how chefs prevented themselves from smelling like the food they were cooking daily. She still smelled of her shampoo.Riley was the head chef of her own restaurant because she loved being hands-on. The Allen House was a two-story contemporary casual dining restaurant with a laid-back atmosphere yet offering extensive menus. They also served alcohol, entrées, and appetizers.Riley and Wes’ family were well-off. They could afford to give her this restaurant as a gift after graduating from college with honors. It was thanks to her that I got to eat first-rate meals.“You practically forced me to come,” I kidded.“Sorry.” She laughed but then shifted her attention to my date entering the door. “Hello, Rafael. We met once but haven’t properly introduced ourselves.” Riley reached out a hand t
SAVANNAHI paused at the entrance to the Blue Stone high-rise on Fifth Avenue and gazed at the building. I felt my stomach turn and twist into a million knots. I was excited, of course, but nervous as well. I had not been to any man’s place aside from Edward’s.The doorman greeted Rafael, opening the door for us. Inside, another man sat at the security desk that didn’t mind us when we walked to the elevators.Inside the elevator car, I couldn’t say anything. This was real. A huge step into entering deeper into Rafael’s private life—another way to know him a little more. They said you’d find a glimpse of one’s personality through his home. I hope that was true.Rafael glided his hand into my fingers, easing me with a smile. “Come closer. I don’t bite.”I nodded, smiling back.The ride to his penthouse was fast. The doors of the elevator opened into a small hallway. We stepped out and headed in the only direction, finding ourselves in a foyer. The air was cool, the silence was deafening
SAVANNAHRafael caressed the curve of my lower back while his one hand was on the back of my neck, his thumb gently circling my jaw.My body melted from each touch. His every move was gentle—coaxing, seducing, and maybe because I was already looking forward to tonight, my sensitive skin felt like it was on fire.Maybe I was still afraid to accept Rafael’s offer, but if this was the only way he knew he could give me, so be it. I wanted to be with him, too. Whatever reason stopped him from opening up more, I would try to respect it until he was ready.Nonetheless, I let go of my fears, averting my mind from any odds that hadn’t even happened. Rafe slowly glided his hand to my thighs, wrapping them to his. And then he lifted me up. My legs were now wrapped around his waist while his palm rested on the bump of my ass.Without breaking our hot, sleek kiss, Rafe brought me to the couch so I would sit. I knew where this night was going, but I had already lost the sense to protest. I was look
RAFAELI’d imagined this scenario dozens of times in the past month – the beautiful, brown-haired Savannah in my penthouse, my living room, her luscious body bared and spread before me; her round hazel eyes pleading to me to take her. But I didn’t exactly think I would do it. I tried to avoid acquainting myself with her, but I ended up wanting her more. It was amazing how I could still feel the soft tissues of her pussy around my cock.Savi was now coming out of my bedroom, wearing my T-shirt and sweatpants. It was huge on her but seeing her in my clothes sent an inexplicable delight in my chest. I was envious at the same time of the piece of fabric. I wanted her in my arms again.No one except my family had been into my private space; no other woman had walked into my bedroom except if it was my housekeeper, Annie, who came in two times a week. She was a middle-aged woman.I couldn’t wait to make her fully mine and show her to the public. I’d order my agent to process her divorce tom
SAVANNAH“She’s probably devastated. She’s worried about her so much,” I commented, referring to Sofia’s mother. I was now resting in Rafe’s arms on the couch.I refused to tell Jocelyn about me and her daughter or Edward because it might become an issue with Rafe’s business deal. I was supposed to be an outsider—or just an employee in that meeting. My personal life shouldn’t mix with my career, and I was only new to my job. I also didn’t want to deceive Estrellas; hence, I avoided telling them. I didn’t want it to come from me. But truth always prevailed, and it was fast. Our lives had been tangled in the most unexpected way. Our connections were still incredible, knowing I met Rafe on different occasions.But it was surprising to know I could be of help to Rafael in the way he told me about Emilio’s conversation with Carter.“But did they already decide to sign with you?”“That’s what we’re about to find out.”“If they’re not interested in working with you, they won’t ask to see us
SAVANNAHRafe was not on my side when I woke up the next morning. I had sex with a demigod until the last ounce of energy in my body; I’d slept in his arms serenely. But something else felt odd. I wasn’t sure if I was dreaming, but I thought Rafe didn’t stay beside me. I just didn’t feel his presence.He was dressed now in an impeccable black suit, walking back and forth to his bedroom. A phone was pressed on his ear, and he seemed anxious.“What? Are you sure, Pax? Because twenty years ago, my parents gave up on following that lead.” He paused. “No, they looked, and they stopped. They stopped, but I didn’t... No, don’t tell anyone... Yes, yes. Come to my office by lunchtime.” He hung up and started pacing again with his two fingers pressing the pressure point of his temples. He cursed under his breath.“Is everything okay?” I asked. Only then did he notice me.“Hey”He was hesitating if he should come to me or not, so I made the first move. I guess I shouldn’t ask him where he slept.
SAVANNAHMichael was at his desk when I got home. I knocked on his already opened door to get his attention.“Savi,” he said, looking at me through his glasses.I lifted the take-out Chinese food I bought on the way. “I got your favorite.” Michael’s favorites were dim sum, while I craved wanton noodles. I had to better focus on my brother, who was also alone in this house.He smiled and removed his glasses. “I know when you’re nice to me. Do you need something?”I laughed. “You know me well.”We both went down. I took out some plates to prepare snacks and served Michael what he liked.“It’s not every time I can do this, you know,” I said. “When you find a new girlfriend, I’ll leave you alone.” I placed chopsticks in front of him.I loved our little moments like this. It always took me back to when I was just a little girl who didn’t want to be separated from my only brother because we were the only ones left in the world.He took the first bite of his dumpling before he asked me. “Wha
SAVANNAHAfter the meeting with Carter discussing our plans with PeekFlix, the meeting closed with a decision that Sebastian Entertainment would take care of its international affairs, and the Mexican office would function under the same management. Emilio would remain its CEO, but Jacob had been given a higher position in the new office they would establish in New York. Finally, the film franchises’ plans were presented on the projector screen for the wrap-up.The two businessmen then signed the papers in front of the press, and the reporters joined the meeting for the interview.“Thank you for giving us this exclusive scoop,” the blonde reporter with bright lipstick said.“We all work in the same industry. We ought to share the good news,” Carter said.“You will have a special event for the official announcement of these two companies joining ventures, is that correct?” she asked again.“Yes. As PeekFlix finally embraces its new milestone, the world should know what we have in store