SAVANNAH“You look wonderful!” Anya exclaimed as she entered the room. I’d just finished putting on everything—the elegant evening dress, makeup, accessories, and the super pretty Dior shoes Mika provided me. But I couldn’t help but admire her looks tonight, too. She chose the charcoal dress.“Wow. You look damn sexy. I mean, even with the baby bump.” Seriously, she was a goddess. I’d only noticed her small delicate face now that she lifted her hair.She stroked her belly. “Thank you. Well, this is the sexiest part.”“Have you seen Rafe?”“Still with Julian.” She clicks her tongue. “There’s this last-minute thing they must do, but he told me he’ll see you at the party. They’re already dressed, so I’m here as your chaperone.”How could I not love her? I could tell how precious she was.“Oh, God, no. I should be your chaperone.”We laughed.“Come on. Party’s already going.”Even though I was anxious about how Rafe would introduce me to everyone, this excited me at the same time. Eager,
SAVANNAHFriend? Knowing this now wasn’t strange because having a friend wasn’t impossible. But this was still surprising because Rafe mentioned several times about having no friends.I wanted to ask her how they became friends because I’d only just learned a few things about Rafe’s life, but it’d be rude, so I shook her hand instead.“Yes, I’m Savannah.”“Rafe’s girlfriend, I heard.” She flashed a grin. “You don’t mind if I sit for a bit, right? My parents are busy doing their own thing right now.” She leaned forward and whispered, “They love coming to any of the Sebastians’ events. I get to meet new people, so I came along.”Alright. She was friendly. Or maybe she thought they were friends because her parents were acquainted with Rafe’s. For some reason, my heart started pounding against my ribcage. I didn’t have a good feeling about this.Well, she was already sitting.“So, how did you know Rafe?”“Um, it’s a long story, actually.” A story that wasn’t her business to know.“I’m ask
SAVANNAH“Or you can tell him yourself…” Carter spun to the side. His sinfully delicious brother had appeared on the shaded side of the front porch. Even in the shadows, he was still beautiful that it hurt.“Where the hell were you?” he raged, marching toward me.“Hey, man,” Carter announced, but Rafe ignored him.“Alright. That’s my signal.” My boss raised his hands and made an exit.Rafe waited until his brother was out of the picture so he could grab my shoulders. “Why would you do that?”Crap. This was the time I hoped we weren’t alone.“Do what? You look busy with your friend.”“I don’t have a friend. Erin is certainly not my friend. I told you I don’t have any friends.”“Yes, because she’s just someone you had a—” I swallowed dryly “—whatever the hell that was. Honestly, I don’t want to care anymore.”He heaved a sigh. “If you have a problem, you can ask me instead of walking away. You’re driving me insane.”“Would you answer me if I asked you?”Blood drained from his face. He c
SAVANNAHI didn’t know what time it was. The room was dark and silent. But after a power nap, I felt a movement on Rafe’s side of the bed. He glided his arms around my waist and buried his head on the back of my neck. His pure male scent, with notes of sandalwood and mild soap, instantly filled the air.He didn’t speak, only breathing so softly as his way of communication.“When did you come in?” I asked.“About half an hour ago.”Silence.“Are we okay?” he whispered.I nodded. Even though this was happening to us, I knew in my heart that I still wanted to trust him. He wouldn’t purposely hurt me. Rafe’s embrace tightened, letting out a low groan.Yielding, I closed my eyes. Because only then could I fall asleep peacefully.In the morning, I awoke alone. Thinking that Rafe probably just went for a run, I went to the closet and found nothing else but my suitcase. Rafe’s things were gone.***I ignored the rampage in my chest, dressed in a rush, not bothering with my hair or whether I
SAVANNAHI spent the next hour talking to Michael about Rafe. He’d love a bit of honesty, although I kept some privacy for myself. He listened, but he was frantic. My brother wasn’t the type to show it all throughout.“Savannah, that is not okay to leave a girlfriend alone at god knows where for any reason,” he pressed.“I know, but I don’t want to make an issue about it before hearing his explanation.”He shook his head. “You’re too kind.”“Well, I was raised this way.”He arched his eyebrow. “So it’s my fault.”“No! Because you’re too kind to me.” I held his hand. “Michael, we’re still new. He’s still figuring things out because the last time he had a relationship was over a decade ago.”“And you believed him?”“Yes. Why would a man lie about his relationship? As far as I know, men like to brag about it.”“Well… You’re not wrong, although I’m not the type,” he defended. “But please know that if he ever hurt you, he’ll have to face me.”I gave him a smile. “Thank you, but I’ll figure
SAVANNAHThe past few weeks have been busy in the office. I missed Rafe terribly despite my anger at what happened in Long Island. His absence had me overthinking things about him and Erin—things he refused to tell me.I hadn’t heard from Rafe since his last message and only followed him on the news. He was in many meetings and conferences, but Billy and Carter assured me everything was going fine. They didn’t tell me when they were returning. I’d just take what I could get and let him explain when he returned.But today, I stood before his brother because I needed to leave early. Brett was picking me up to take me to Brooklyn, eagerly looking forward and hoping I’d meet Michael’s family. However, Carter had to bring another piece of news.“Rafe’s returning today.”A pool of emotions lifted up my heart. Excitement? Restlessness? I wasn’t sure. “He is? What time?”“Not sure, but he has probably left the office now.”I heaved an exhale. “Thanks for giving me an update every now and then
SAVANNAHMy whole body shivered. Rafe’s question only meant that they were talking about Michael. Gradually, I understood what was happening.There were things Rafael didn’t tell me. Things about him he couldn’t entrust others yet, especially to someone like me whom he had just met. That was human nature, so I understood and was still waiting. But things between the two of us kept getting deeper.It wasn’t just any person who’d accidentally become a part of his life.Rafe had a sibling (a twin) he’d lost many years ago, and it was my very own brother. The same person who raised me, the same person who carried and fed me as a child. It wasn’t just about his family—it was mine too.Rafe and I’s connection to the Reeds was already problematic. I wasn’t sure what to believe because the coincidence was too bewildering; it almost seemed impossible.Unable to answer or move, Rafe snatched my hand and dragged me to his car with brute force. My wrist was hurting, but the noise in my mind from
SAVANNAHMichael and the girls were in the living room when Rafe left a few moments ago. They were staring at me with a googly as if waiting for me to say something. I wondered if my brother had told them anything. In addition, it was still strange to see Sofia sitting in our living room.I sat on the sofa across from them.“What now?” Riley said.I looked at my brother. “Do you mind me telling them?”Michael tensed up, folding his arms across his chest. “I supposed they already know, so there’s no point asking.”“Sorry,” I murmured.I started explaining from the beginning—about how Michael told me he was still looking for his family. My friends knew my brother was adopted, but we didn’t speak about it because it seemed unnatural. Michael was already there when I was growing up. My brother even surprisingly answered Riley’s questions.“Please, don’t tell anyone about this yet. Even with your parents, Sofia,” I pleaded.“Of course. I understand,” she said softly.