CHAPTER 4

Bella’s week dragged on like slow...motion. Every lecture felt longer, every classmate’s voice blurred into background noise

Ang utak niya, parang loop ng memories ng nakaraang gabi...Raf’s lips, his touch, his teasing smile

She tried to focus on her assignments, pero hindi niya maiwasan ang pagbabalik-tanaw sa bawat moment nila

And every time her phone buzzed, she hoped it was him.

Finally, Friday came. Maya tried to convince her to stay in and study, but Bella’s mind was already elsewhere

She glanced at her phone

Raf: “Pick you up at 8. Don’t be late. Wear something… fun.”

Her stomach did a little flip

“Fun? What does that even mean?” she muttered, but she couldn’t stop smiling

At 8 PM, a sleek black car pulled up outside her apartment. Raf stepped out, looking effortlessly handsome in a casual white shirt and dark jeans, hair perfectly messy, grin dangerously charming

“You ready?” he asked, holding out his hand

Bella hesitated, heart pounding, then took his hand

“I guess I am… but Raf, this better not be… crazy.”

“Crazy?” he laughed

“Bella, life’s boring without a little crazy.”

The car ride was filled with teasing, laughter, and subtle touches. Every time Raf brushed her hand or leaned just a little too close, Bella felt shivers. But this time, she didn’t pull away. She let herself enjoy it, even knowing it was dangerous

Their destination? A private beach resort, far from the city lights, where the ocean whispered promises they weren’t supposed to hear. Raf had booked a secluded villa, candles lit around the terrace, soft music playing

“See? Told you you’d love it,” Raf said, holding the door open for her

“Just you, me, and the waves.”

Bella’s chest tightened. It was beautiful… almost too perfect

“R-Raf… this is… wow.”

“It’s all for you,” he whispered, pulling her close

“Tonight, forget everything. Forget rules. Just… feel.”

They sat on the terrace, legs brushing, hands slowly intertwining. The fire pit flickered, casting warm light on their faces. Raf’s eyes held hers, deep and searching, like he could see into her soul

“Bella… you know I can’t stay away from you, right?” he said, voice low and serious

“I… I know,” she admitted, heart racing

“And I shouldn’t feel this way… but I do.”

“Good,” he murmured, leaning closer

“Because I feel the same. And tonight… we forget the world.”

Before she could think, Raf kissed her again. This time, it wasn’t just playful or teasing...it was raw, full of need, full of hunger. Bella melted into him, every nerve alive, every thought gone except the fire between them

Their kisses deepened, hands exploring, hearts racing. The ocean waves echoed their moans, the moonlight painting their skin in silver. Every moment felt suspended in time, dangerous, thrilling, and unforgettable

“Raf… wait—” Bella gasped, but he only hushed her, fingers tracing her jaw, pulling her closer

“Shhh… no thinking. Just us,” he whispered

Hours passed in a blur of passion, whispered confessions, and skin on skin. For Bella, it was intoxicating and terrifying all at once. For Raf, it was addictive, consuming, and everything he never admitted he needed

As the night faded into early morning, they sat wrapped in each other’s arms, the sound of the ocean a soothing lullaby. Bella rested her head on Raf’s chest, listening to his heartbeat

“Raf…” she whispered, voice trembling

“I don’t know if this is right… or if I should even want it.”

“Bella,” he murmured, fingers brushing through her hair

“Sometimes, the wrong things feel so right. And maybe… that’s why we can’t stay away from each other.”

Bella’s chest tightened, tears pricking her eyes. She knew he was right. She also knew this was dangerous, forbidden, and could destroy everything. Pero kahit ganoon, kahit alam niya, she wanted him

“I don’t want to stop,” she admitted quietly

“Neither do I,” Raf whispered, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead

“And tonight… it’s just you and me."

For the first time, Bella let herself truly surrender. Not just to his touch, but to the thrilling, intoxicating, dangerous pull between them

She knew it was wrong, she knew it was risky… but for the first time, she didn’t care

The night was theirs. And in that moment, Bella realized… sometimes, the best things were the mistakes you couldn’t resist.