Semua Bab A Marriage of Convenience: Bab 21 - Bab 30

Raphael’s eyes lingered on the flush rising on her cheeks—so stunning it almost hurt to look at. His gaze darkened, and in the next second, his grip tightened, yanking her toward him. The sliver of distance between them vanished in an instant.Grace hadn’t even recovered from the shock of touching his abs before she found herself pulled into his chest. Warm skin, hard muscle—everything was too much, too close. Her wide eyes stared up, hands instinctively clutching his.His chest vibrated with a low chuckle.One of his hands came up to rest lightly on her neck, his palm warm against the rapid pulse beneath her skin. With a gentle tilt, he guided her chin up. Then he leaned down—his nose brushing hers.The soft lighting cast shadows across his sharp features. His eyes were dark. Deep. Like she might fall straight into them.Grace froze, breath caught.Their lips were just a breath apart.“You like guys like that?” Raphael asked, voice calm. Too calm. As if he was holding something back.

Grace went shopping alone. She was a regular at all the high-end boutiques—not just because half her wardrobe and leather goods came from her own family’s brand, but also because she liked to keep an eye on the trends and designs other labels were pushing.Most brands sent her seasonal catalogs ahead of time, so she didn’t even need to try anything on herself. She had a group of models with similar measurements come to her house regularly. Stylists would prep full looks, and the models would walk in front of her while she relaxed with tea in hand, casually pointing out what she liked. Once she nodded at a look, her assistant noted it down. A few days later, the items would be delivered straight to her home.But sometimes, shopping in person was just for fun.She wandered aimlessly through the boutique. The store manager personally attended to her, keeping a polite distance while staying ready.Grace reached for something in the display case, though her thoughts were clearly miles awa

As it neared seven, a maid knocked on the door to let them know dinner was ready.“Starving,” Evelyn chirped, already two steps ahead of Grace. But the second she peeked into the living room, her steps halted. There wasn’t just one man waiting—besides their father, another figure in polished dress shoes stood tall and composed.She did a double take. “Uh… didn’t you just say Raphael was too busy to come? He’s literally downstairs.”Grace’s eyes widened. She leaned forward to glance over the railing—just in time to meet Raphael’s gaze as he looked up at her.Her heart skipped a beat. What the hell is he doing here?As she made her way down the stairs, Alice passed by with a knowing smile. “I’ll let the kitchen know to set one more place.”Grace gave her a small nod, trying to keep cool, though her chest was practically burning. Ever since that kiss last night, she hadn’t even looked Raphael in the eye. And now here he was—at her father’s house, of all places. She had to pretend nothin

 Early the next morning, Grace was up earlier than ever, heading out to shop. The store clerks were still half-asleep when she walked in, but seeing who it was jolted them wide awake.She said she needed swimwear, and within minutes they’d pulled together over ten options in her size, complete with sun hats, sunglasses, scarves. Grace was in such a good mood, she even bought the towels and accessories they brought over. In just under thirty minutes, she walked out with four full shopping bags.Living in the city center really did have its perks.Grace was feeling smug as she returned home. Just as she got out of the car, she suddenly remembered the cufflinks and tie clip she’d bought yesterday were still sitting in the wardrobe. She headed inside—and immediately stopped in her tracks.

 Raphael’s gaze lingered on the plump, glistening grapes. His fingers, still wrapped around the glass, twitched slightly before he set it back down on the edge of the tub. With those long, clean fingers, he plucked a single grape and, under Grace’s expectant stare, slowly brought it toward her lips.Grace’s eyes curved with delight as she parted her lips ever so slightly. Her tongue met the grape first, slowly drawing it into her mouth. Raphael’s eyes locked on her lips, unable to look away. Just as he was about to pull his hand back, he felt it—a soft, warm brush against his fingertips. It was quick, but unmistakable. His la