5

Gianna's POV

The martini had settled warmly in my stomach but my hands still trembled slightly as I set the plastic cup down on the nightstand. Rafael watched me from across the room, his dark eyes unreadable in the dim light of the motel lamp.

"We should probably talk about what happens next," I told him, my voice coming out shakier than I intended.

He crossed the room slowly, his movements predatory. "We have tonight. Tomorrow we figure out the rest."

My heart hammered against my ribs as he stopped in front of me. He reached out, his fingers gently tracing my jawline. "You're nervous,"

"I've never..." I couldn't finish the sentence, heat flooding my cheeks. "I mean, I haven't..."

He tilted his head slightly, studying me. "You're a virgin."

It wasn't a question either and somehow that made it easier. I nodded, unable to meet his gaze.

His thumb stroked my cheek. "We don't have to do anything you don't want to do."

"I want to," I whispered, finally looking up at him. "I need to."

The corner of his mouth curved into a slight smile. "Need to?"

"If he finds..let’s just say it’s important for this whole thing.” I trailed off, embarrassed by the practicality of it all.

Rafael's expression darkened slightly. "He won't touch you. Married or not."

"I know." I took a breath. "But I can't leave anything to chance."

He studied me for a long moment, then nodded slowly. "Alright."

He leaned down and kissed me, gently at first his lips soft against mine. I responded instinctively, my hands finding their way to his shoulders because I love kissing this man. When I deepened the kiss, he groaned softly against my mouth, pulling me closer.

His hands slid down my back, tracing the curve of my spine through the thin t-shirt. I shivered despite the warmth of the room. When his fingers found the hem of my shirt, I tensed for just a moment before relaxing against him.

He lifted the shirt slowly, giving me time to object. Instead, I raised my arms, letting him pull it over my head. The cool air hit my skin raising goosebumps across my arms and stomach.

Rafael's gaze swept over me, his expression unreadable but his eyes darkening. "You're divine."

He seemed to sense my thoughts, his fingers tracing the faint mark on my finger where I cut myself earlier. "Even with flour in your hair."

I smiled, some of the tension leaving my shoulders. He leaned down to kiss me again, deeper this time his tongue tracing my lower lip until I parted my lips for him. The kiss grew hungrier, more urgent, as his hands explored my body.

When he lifted me, I wrapped my legs around his wais. He carried me to the bed laying me down gently against the faded quilt. He stood for a moment, just looking at me, before shrugging out of his suit jacket and draping it over a chair.

The sight of him in just his dress shirt, the fabric stretched across his broad shoulders, made my breath catch. He unbuttoned his cuffs slowly, his eyes never leaving mine then moved to the buttons of his shirt.

I watched, mesmerized as he revealed the hard planes of his chest, the dusting of dark hair that narrowed to a trail disappearing beneath his waistband. When he reached for his belt, I felt a flutter of nervous anticipation mixed with something raw desire.

He joined me on the bed, his weight settling beside me. His hands traced patterns on my stomach, sending sparks through my body. When his fingers brushed against the waistband of my panties, I tensed again.

"Easy," he murmured, his lips finding mine. "Just relax."

I tried, I really did but my body was wound tight with nerves. He seemed to sense it, his kisses becoming softer. His hands roamed my body, learning what made me sigh, what made me arch against him, what made my breath catch in my throat.

When his fingers finally slipped beneath the lace of my panties, I gasped, my hips rising. He explored me gently, his touch both confident and curious. I felt myself opening to him, my body responding in ways I hadn't expected.

"Rafael," I breathed, my hands tangling in his hair.

He shifted, settling between my legs. I could feel his cock, hard and ready against my thigh. My heart raced, a mix of fear and anticipation coursing through me.

"Look at me," he said softly and I met his gaze, my eyes wide with pleasure.

"Tell me if you want to stop."

I shook my head. "Don't stop. I’d die if you do.”

He chuckled then entered me slowly. I tensed at the initial discomfort. He stilled, giving me time to adjust, his lips finding mine in a gentle kiss. When I relaxed against him, he moved deeper, filling me completely.

There was sharp pain for the great part of the beginning then it was tolerable. I wrapped my legs around his waist, pulling him closer as he began to move, slowly at first then with increasing my moans.

Each thrust sent waves of pleasure through me, building to something I've never ever experienced before. When his fingers found my clit rubbing in tight circles, I cried out, the pleasure too much.

"Uh Rafael!" I gasped, my nails digging into his shoulders.

"Let go," he murmured against my ear. "Just feel."

And I did. I orgasmed with a cry, my body arching against his. He followed moments later with a groan his body tensing before collapsing against me.

We lay tangled together in the dim light, our breathing slowly returning to normal. He shifted to his side, pulling me with him so we were face to face.

"Okay?" He asked softly.

I nodded, unable to find words because I’m still shivering. He smiled, his fingers tracing my jaw.

"Sleep now," he said. "We'll figure out tomorrow when it comes."

****

I woke to sunlight streaming through the thin motel curtains. I lay there, my body sore in ways it had never been before and stared at the water stain on the ceiling. My core tightened at the thought of what happened. God. Even with the soreness I’d do it again.

I turned my head to find the bed empty. The sheets on his side were cold.

Panic started to rise in my chest. I sat up, clutching the sheet to my chest. "Rafael?"

Silence. Then a knock at the door.

I was already wearing my shirt but I grabbed the sheet and wrapped it around myself, my heart pounding. Maybe he went to get breakfast and forgot his key.

I opened the door. Three men in black suits stood in the doorway. I recognized the one in front from my father's study.

"Miss Moskal, your father sent us."

I tried to slam the door but he was faster. His hand caught the edge, pushing it open and then they were inside, grabbing my arms, dragging me out of the room while I kicked and screamed.

"Rafael!" I yelled. "Rafael, help!"

But the parking lot was empty and the men were stronger than me. No one came.