Rafael

by Faith Gibson

  “Oh.” Now she was thrilled.

  Chapter 32

  Rafael came around and helped Kaya out of the car. She paused, looking around the estate, taking in the vastness and beauty that was his home. She didn’t realize this could be her home as well. If he got his way, she would be living here sooner rather than later. He led her up the steps to the front door. “Normally I go through the garage, but for your first visit, I thought the grand tour was in order.”

  The front door was pulled open by Jonathan. “Good evening Sir, Miss Kane.”

  “Kaya, this is Jonathan. He and his sister Priscilla take care of everything you see. I only live here.” He shook his old friend’s hand, and they both laughed.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Jonathan.”

  Rafe showed Kaya the manor, pausing in each room to allow her time to take it all in. “Before it gets too dark, I’d like to show you around outside.” Her sexy heels were going to make walking across the grass a bit difficult. “I have a suggestion, let’s do this barefoot.” He pulled off his shoes and socks by the backdoor. She toed off her heels.

  The swimming pool had yet to be enclosed. Rafe held her hand as he explained the design of the structure that would allow them to swim indoors during the colder months. What he didn’t tell her was that he had only planned to enclose it since he met her.

  As soon as they reached the archway leading to the garden he paused. “This is what I want to show you, Kaya.” Other than a few of the Clan and Jonathan and Priscilla, nobody else was given the privilege of witnessing the beauty that was his garden. While Jonathan kept it growing and flourishing, it was Rafe himself who designed it.

  He kept his eyes on Kaya as she took it all in. He needed her to love this place as much as he did. She stopped and touched leaves. She bent and smelled blooms. She walked the path that meandered throughout this heaven on earth. When they got to his favorite bench, he pulled her down to sit beside him.

  The look of awe on her face and the tears shining wet in her eyes told him everything. He gently took her face in his and leaned his forehead to hers. Closing his eyes, he cherished this moment. He would never forget it. A tinkling of chimes behind them stirred him back to reality. Her hands were on his wrists, thumbs lovingly stroking his skin. She placed her lips to his whispering, “Thank you.”

  Rafe leaned back and placed his arm around her shoulders, once again enjoying the serenity. He spoke softly, reverently. “This is where I meditate. I come here as often as I can to this very bench and allow myself to just be. Sometimes I am left to my own thoughts. Other times the cosmos has its way of speaking to me.”

  “I get it now. I understand why you are this private person. Rafael, if I lived here I would never want to leave.” One lone tear escaped down her beautiful face. He caught it before it plunged to her lap where her hands were clasped together.

  “If you lived here, neither of us would ever leave. I would have to turn the business over to someone else, and you and I would make many dark-haired little boys who would run through these gardens until the moon shone in the sky.”

  Kaya gasped. “What did you say?” Her eyes were wide, the emotion he couldn’t read.

  “Love, I was kidding. You are just so enticing, and I would be hard pressed to leave our bed.” Her face was paling. “Kaya, what is it? Did I say something wrong?” Don’t fuck this up before you even start Rafe.

  “No, I’m sorry, I just…”

  “You what? Kaya, talk to me, what is it?” Rafe was worried now. Was the mention of children too much too soon? Did she not want children? Did she have a child? Oh gods, what if she bore one and had lost it? There was nothing about a child in the research he did on her.

  “It’s nothing, really. Now, didn’t you promise to feed me?”

  Rafe knew better than to press. He would wait until a more appropriate time to bring it up again. “I did indeed. Let’s go introduce you to Priscilla. You’ve already met her cooking.”

  Once inside they put their shoes back on and went in search of sustenance.

  Kaya felt like a fool for freaking out. Of course, Rafe would talk about dark-haired boys. What man wouldn’t want his child to look like him? There was no way he could have known about her dream. She walked with him through the house to where the delicious aromas were coming from. If this meal was half as good as lunch, she was going to need those sweat pants Rafael mentioned.

  The older lady, Priscilla she presumed, looked just like a housekeeper slash cook should look. Like someone’s mother. “Oh, there you are! Miss Kane, it is so good to meet you. Please, may I get you something to drink?”

  Rafe was laughing. “Kaya, this is Priscilla. She runs the house if you haven’t already figured that out. I’ll get our drinks.” He kissed Priscilla on the cheek and grabbed a piece of cheese off a platter on the island. She smacked his hand playfully. “You stop being rude. Now go on into the dining room. Everything is all set for you.”

  “Would you like a glass of wine or maybe you’d prefer something stronger?” Rafe was holding a bottle of the same Riesling she bought.

  “Have you been watching me, Mr. Stone? I’ll take the wine, please.” She was grinning at him, but it really was disconcerting that he would have the same cheap brand that she drank.

  He poured Kaya a goblet of wine and himself a tumbler full of Scotch. “A toast. Here’s to the first night of many in what will be a beautiful relationship.” They touched their glasses together and took a drink. She took a couple more sips trying to get some alcohol in her system to calm her nerves. Rafe sat his glass down and pulled a chair out for her. The table was full of several different types of meat, vegetables, salads, and breads.

  Priscilla came in with the last bowl and set it in between them. “There you are. Miss Kane, I hope everything is to your satisfaction. I didn’t know what you liked so I made a little of everything.” The older lady was blushing. She was so cute. “Thank you for going to so much trouble, Priscilla. I really do appreciate it. With my schedule, I don’t get a chance to cook very often.”

  “Think nothing of it. Now, will there be anything else?”

  “No, thank you, Priscilla. You and Jonathan enjoy your evening.”

  She bowed and quietly slipped out of the room. Wait, she bowed? Kaya wondered if Rafael insisted on it. Jonathan didn’t, did he? No, the relationship between the three of them was more along the lines of family. She could see the love in his housekeeper’s eyes as she looked at Rafael.

  Kaya asked him about his business, and he proudly spoke of not just the drawings he created but also the planning and building that went along with it. He boasted of his team as if they were family. He said it was one thing to put something to paper but to have someone be able to take those drawings and make them come to life, that was truly where the credit was due.

  Never once did he brag on himself or act better or pretentious. He was a man who enjoyed what he did for a living. While he did speak vaguely about the various charities he donated to, he didn’t do it to boast. No, Rafael Stone was a passionate man, and he didn’t mind showing it. While she was listening, she had to remember to eat. She would find a bite of food dangling from the fork as she sat enchanted by his words.

  The only subject Rafael shied away from was his parents. He briefly spoke of them with tender words then changed topics.

  When they were finished eating, he stood and grabbed his glass. He refilled his Scotch, poured her more wine then held out his hand. He led her out onto the patio. “Stay here.” He disappeared back into the house, and soft music that sounded like John Legend started playing from hidden speakers. He rejoined her and put his arm around her waist. Random spotlights emitted a faint glow around them. Rafael took a sip of Scotch then gazed up at the sky.

  “What are you looking at?” She looked up as well and was amazed at all the stars. Having lived most of her life where the stars weren’t very visible because of the many street lamps, she was in awe.

  �
��Perseus. It’s my favorite of all the constellations.”

  “Why is that?” Kaya never thought about them as anything but groups of stars.

  “He was a hero. He beheaded Medusa and saved the fair princess.”

  Kaya wondered if Rafael saw himself as the hero. Had he ever saved the fair maiden or was he just another man? Would he be her hero?

  Chapter 33

  “May I have this dance?” Rafael sat both of their glasses on the outside bar and held out his hand. She placed her hand in his and he pulled her close. She wasn’t a very good dancer, but she soon found out if the man leading you was, you could just follow along. The song was jazzy but sexy, slow and seductive. It allowed the dancers to sway to the tempo or grind to the back beat. Oh, how she wanted to grind.

  All night the intensity between her and Rafael grew more palpable. Every look, every touch, felt like a live wire was connecting them, growing stronger and tighter with each moment. She allowed her hands to play in the soft curls at the edge of his collar. She loved his hair and told him so.

  “I love yours too. I know why you wear it up for work, but I hope you’ll always wear it down when we’re together.” Rafael leaned in and inhaled.

  She should find that weird but instead she knew why he did it. Not as boldly, she breathed in the aftershave at his neck. It was intense yet subtle. How could that be? The same way the man could be an alpha and still hold himself in reserve to appreciate the simpler things like flowers and solitude.

  His hand that was on the small of her back dipped lower, softly caressing her cheek. The other hand wound itself around her hair once again. With the four inch heels she was wearing she was only a few inches shorter than Rafael, bringing them almost eye to eye. Her lips parted, caressing his chin. She continued up his jawline until she got to the soft spot under his ear. With each touch of her lips, the hand fisting her hair tightened just a little more. When she nipped his earlobe with her teeth, her head was pulled back, and his mouth was crushing hers. She didn’t make him work for it. She opened for him, searching for his tongue with her own. Their bodies were moving in sync with the music floating on the air. The grinding of their hips matched the rhythm of the drums.

  Kaya felt Rafael’s hand leave her back and move toward the front. Slowly he caressed each spot along the way until he reached her breast. He kept his hand underneath, rubbing his thumb back and forth. When he rubbed over her already aching nipple she moaned into his mouth.

  Rafe was about to lose control. If he didn’t claim this woman soon, he was going to phase and then he would really be in a mess. “Kaya,” He breathed into her mouth. He wanted their first time to be special, perfect, but he was too close. He was ready to pull her dress up and take her right there. He must back off and get himself under control.

  He tried to pull away, but this strong warrior had a mind of her own. She wasn’t ready to let him go. “Kaya.” She continued to lick and nip at his neck. Reaching behind his head, he grabbed her wrists. “Kaya, stop.” She looked confused. “Love, if you want to do this properly we need to go into the house. Otherwise I’m going to take you here, now, and it will not be gentle. Your decision.” He could see her warring with herself. He could smell her arousal. She wanted him just as much as he did her.

  Thinking she would choose the bed, she surprised him when she grabbed his hard cock and began rubbing him through his suit pants. “Are you sure?”

  “Yes, Rafael. I don’t want to wait.” He slammed his mouth to hers again while he yanked her dress up over her ass. Feeling bare skin, he nearly came right then. Had he known she wore no panties, he probably would have already been inside her. She was fumbling with his belt while he was pulling his shirt from his pants. Before his pants could slide down his legs, he was grabbing for his wallet. He pulled out a condom, tearing the wrapper with his teeth, the foil flittering to the ground. He rolled the sheath on, stroking his already rock hard length. “Kaya, are you certain?”

  “Yes dammit, I want you.” He spun her around and bent her over the table. Stretching her arms out in front of her, he held both in place with one large hand. Rafael nudged her legs apart with his foot while rubbing his fingers through her folds. Holy fuck but she was wet. He pumped two fingers inside her pussy, rubbing along that spot that made women come unglued. And she would, but not yet. He teased the spot a few more times.

  Kaya was pushing back against him, arching that beautiful ass higher. One day. One day he would shove his cock in her forbidden hole but not this day. Tonight was about the already primed and ready-to-go slick piece of heaven. He removed his fingers and placed them in his mouth, savoring the flavor of her juices. He then grabbed his cock and lined up the engorged head with her cunt and with one thrust he was in up to his balls. She pushed back and groaned. Fuck! Rafael remained still. Dizziness threatened to take over. His cock filling Kaya’s core consumed his mind, his soul.

  “Keep your hands where they are,” he demanded as he let go and wrapped one arm around her waist to keep it from crashing into the edge of the table. His other hand was gripping her throat, not hard enough to cut off circulation but with enough pressure to let her know he was in control.

  “My sweet Kaya, my beautiful woman, how do you want it? Tell me what you want me to do with my cock.” He held himself back. Over the years, he had learned to control his baser needs, but this was Kaya. This was his mate. He was ready to let the beast loose. She reached back for him, and he smacked her on the ass. A groan escaped her as she put her hand back on the table. His woman liked that.

  “Hard. I want you to fuck me, hard.” She was panting and curling her fists. Her wish was his command. “Move your hands to the edge of the table and hold on. Hold the fuck on.”

  Rafe began to move torturously slow, giving Kaya time to adjust to his size. When he felt she could take him, all of him, he gave her what she asked for. Never had Rafe enjoyed the kind of raw, carnal sex he was having now. If she wasn’t feeling his dick in her womb, he would be surprised. He released her neck and moved his hand to between her legs, circling her clit. “Are you with me?”

  “Yes, oh yes. Oh God Rafael, Oh my God!” She was rocking back into him, her ass and thighs meeting him thrust for thrust. “Oh God, fuck me harder.” He moved his hands to her hips, bent over her back, and pistoned into her pussy relentlessly. The heat was tangible, and the sparks were flying. He felt his fangs nipping his lower lip. He would not bite her, not yet. He felt her pussy clench around his dick as her orgasm hit. Feeling her inner walls tighten around his cock shredded the last bit of control in his grasp. With a fiery release, he yelled her name to the stars.

  Kaya couldn’t move, couldn’t breathe. Her knuckles were probably white from her grip on the table. Any previous sexual act was long forgotten. What in the name of all that was holy just happened? That was so far beyond the scope of anything she could ever have imagined. She felt soft kisses being placed on her shoulder, strong hands now gently rubbing where they, just a few minutes ago, gripped tightly. She would probably have a bruise.

  “That was beyond unreal,” she finally managed to say. She tried to turn her head to look at Rafael, but he was intent on her back. “Rafael, look at me.”

  “Not yet.” He was keeping his face hidden.

  “Please, Rafael.”

  She heard him sigh and stood up. “I’ll be right back.” He turned away from her as he was removing the condom. He tied a knot in it and pulled his pants together with the other hand. He disappeared into the kitchen leaving her with her bare ass in the air.

  “What the fuck?” She said out loud. “Was it that bad?” She pulled her dress down and grabbed her wine, downing all that was left. She wanted a refill. She wanted the whole bottle.

  Rafael returned with his pants intact, carrying a wet washcloth. “Here let me clean you.”

  She grabbed the rag and muttered, “I’ll do it myself.”

  He grabbed her arm and pulled her to him. “That was the single most wonderful e
xperience of my life, Kaya Kane. You were amazing.” He gently took the warm cloth from her hand and wiped between her legs. “I just needed a minute to compose myself.”

  The loving look on his face stole her breath. He was telling the truth. She grabbed his face and pulled him in for a kiss. “Thank you.”

  He raised his eyebrows in surprise. “For what? I am the one who should be thanking you. Here, let’s sit down.” He led her to a cushioned glider and pulled her down into his lap. “Kaya, that was not how I envisioned our first time being. I wanted more for you, so much better than just a quick fuck over a table. I’m truly sorry. And embarrassed.” She couldn’t believe the honesty coming from this man. A little piece of her heart floated out of her body into his.

  “Hey, look at me.” She made sure he was focused on her eyes. “You gave me the choice, remember? You told me you didn’t want down and dirty.” She grinned, hoping to lighten the mood. “I wanted fast and furious, Mr. Stone, and you gave it to me. Boy did you give it to me. Next time, we will do slow and steady, or however you want it, okay?”

  Rafael didn’t respond with words; he just leaned closer and answered her with his mouth.

  Chapter 34

  Rafael absolutely hated lying to Kaya but until she knew what he was, he couldn’t let her see how she affected him. He never had trouble controlling his phasing, but the intensity of the sex fucked with him. One thing was for certain; his woman was a goddess. If she could get him that riled up their first time, he could only imagine what they would be like in a bed.

  His phone began ringing, and he thanked the gods that it hadn’t been earlier. “I apologize but I have to take that.” She stood so he could get to his phone.

  “Rafe.” “Godsdamnit! Where?” He looked at Kaya. “There’s no need. Chief Kane is here now. I will pass this along myself, and she can handle it from there. No, don’t touch anything. We’ll be right there.” Rafe thumbed off his phone and hung his head.