Semua Bab The Phoenix's Rebirth and Revenge: Bab 41 - Bab 47

The morning sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Rafael's office, but it did nothing to warm the ice that had settled in Natalia's chest. She stood in the reception area, watching Isabella deliver the news that should have been hers to give."I've assigned Marcus to oversee the Venetian project," Isabella was saying, her voice carrying that particular tone of false regret that grated against Natalia's nerves. "I know you were looking forward to it, but given your... limited experience with our specific protocols..."Natalia forced her expression to remain neutral, though her fingers tightened around her leather portfolio. The Venetian project was a massive undertaking—the renovation of a historic palazzo into luxury condominiums, with enough legitimate and illegitimate moving parts to keep her busy for months. It was exactly the kind of high-profile assignment that would cement her position in Rafael's inner circle.And now it was being handed to Marcus Torretti, a mid

Something shifted in his expression—surprise, maybe, or relief. "Are you sure?""I'm sure."He settled back against the pillows, pulling her closer until she was curled against his side, her head on his chest. She could feel his heartbeat beneath her cheek, steady and reassuring."Natalie?""Mmm?""This doesn't change anything at the office. Tomorrow, we go back to being professional.""I know.""And it doesn't mean... I'm not making you any promises I might not be able to keep.""I know that too.""Then why?"She was quiet for a long moment, considering her answer. When she spoke, her voice was barely above a whisper."Because sometimes, we all need someone to hold us while the storm passes."He pressed a kiss to the top of her head, his arms tightening around her."Yeah," he said quietly. "Sometimes we do."They fell asleep like that, wrapped around each other while the rain continued to fall outside. And for the first time since her rebirth, Natalia's dreams were peaceful.

Rafael's bedroom was cast in shadows and intermittent flashes of lightning, the storm outside providing a dramatic soundtrack to the moment that would change everything between them. Natalia stood beside his bed, suddenly aware of how momentous this decision was—not just for her revenge plot, but for the woman she was becoming."Second thoughts?" Rafael asked softly, his hands resting gently on her waist."Always," she admitted. "But not about this."He kissed her then, slow and thorough, as if they had all the time in the world instead of stealing moments between thunderclaps. His hands were reverent as they traced the lines of her body, and Natalia found herself remembering a different version of this scene—a different lifetime when she'd given herself to this man completely, holding nothing back.That woman had been destroyed by her trust. This woman knew better.But as Rafael's lips moved to her throat, as his hands whispered across her skin with familiar expertise, Natalia felt h