CHAPTER TEN: DEAL WITH THE DEVIL

NATALIE 

Slowly, like a bug, unnoticed, I had crawled into Rafael’s life and positioned myself like a valuable asset that cannot be done away with. With power and resources, I took his hand and carefully guided him through passages that he would not be able to go through on his own. With my connections, I paved the way for him in places he wouldn’t normally find favour with his own power.

But of course, just like the deal you make with the devil, nothing ever comes for free. In this case, unknowingly, he was trading his whole being, everything he was and had worked for all his life, everything he was before and after Alina, everything he owned and would protect with his life—his empire. He wouldn’t know what hit him.

It was one of those days when I would take his hand through a difficult door.

Rafael had called me the previous night just as I was about to retire to bed to inform me about a problem he encountered with a property where one of his structures was located. I had sensed the panic in his voice when he had called—I had relished in it, especially the fact that he deemed me reliable enough to come to me.

“I know some people that can help with it.” I had told him.

The deep sigh that came after my reassurance was everything to me.

We were currently sitting in his limousine, side by side as the car navigated its way through the city. Occasionally, my arm would brush softly over his, causing my skin to jump.

It was a good thing that with my rebirth, I had learnt to be in control of my emotions, instead of the other way around.

“You seem to know a lot of things, you seem to know a lot of powerful people.” Rafael said, turning to me.

“The powerful associate with the powerful.” I answered without looking at him. For the umpteenth time, I felt grateful that Isabella didn’t manage to come along. My delight at her absence was more than the feeling of gratefulness, I knew exactly how it would make her feel knowing that I was going on this trip alone with Rafael, the rage that would coarse through her veins, her knuckles would turn white from clenching it too hard, ans her face would be flushed. I relished the thought of it.

“We are here.” The driver announced as the gigantic building of the Legale Adriatico came into view.

I turned to Rafael, biting down on my inner cheek to prevent the flush that would come with meeting his gaze. “Ready?” I asked.

And just as if his whole trust now rested on me without an iota of doubt, he nodded and stepped out of the limousine after me.

As we stood side by side in the elevator, the warmth that came with his presence, the same warmth that Alina wouldn’t resist began to envelop me. It was as if a part of my heart still yearned for him, a part that I would get rid of very soon, that I should get rid of. I, however, noticed something different about him. The dedication with which he worked. It was as if with Alina’s death, a part of him died too. And he was beginning to dedicate all of those times he would normally give to Alina into his work. He would work till late hours, and would go straight home, avoiding any social life that didn’t have to do with work.

Mr Romero, just as we had discussed the previous night, was waiting for our arrival in his office.

“Natalia De Luca.” His rich voice said as soon as he caught sight of me. 

Lorenzo had fed me with adequate information about everything I needed to know about him and how to make him dance to my tune.

“Mr Romero.” I offered him a handshake as he guided us into his office.

Lorenzo had told me that he liked going straight to business, although he would occasionally throw a few questions about family.

“You know,” he began, leaning forward on the table. “I am only agreeing to do this because a De Luca asked.” 

I turned to Rafael to catch that look of admiration in his eyes before it faded. 

“You should, Mr, Romero. I mean, this project is of great interest to me. And I have to protect things of interest.”

“That is true.” Mr Romero chipped in.

The meeting ended earlier than I had planned, by the time we were done and had concluded signing the contract, it was still the early hours of the evening. That time when the sun was just beginning its decent behind the horizon and the soft hues of orange colours had spread across the sky, giving it an ethereal look.

“Thank you, Mr Romero.” I said, standing up.

“You should also know that this has not come without a prize.” He pointed out.

“Sure…” I pressed my lips together as I rested my gaze on his. “Leave that to me.”

“Of course, I look forward to doing business with you.” He told me as he walked us to the elevator.

“That was awesome.” Rafael finally admitted as soon as we were alone. For a split second, he let his guard down so that I was able to see through his vulnerability, but he was quick to pick up again.

Clearing his throat, he straightened up as we stepped out of the building. “What do you think he is going to ask in return?” He asked.

I shrugged my shoulders like it was nothing.

“I am interested in this project, Rafael, so I am going to do anything to protect my interest. I will handle this.”

Admiration still danced in his eyes, admiration and something else—something I couldn’t name.

“The day is still young,” I told him as we approached the limousine.

“Don’t tell me you have any plans of going back to sit clamped in your office for the rest of the day.” I pointed.

“As a matter of fact,” Rafael began, a playful glint showing up in his eyes. “That is exactly what I have planned.”

His mood told me it was easy to change his mind, so I took the chance.

“I would have loved to say I was a hardworking CEO and tell you I have the same plans too, but unfortunately, the opposite is the case. I have somewhere I want to be, and I want you to come with me.” I told him plainly, holding his gaze, watching his every move.