Delia arrived at the marina and parked her car, her gaze immediately drawn to the large yacht docked nearby. She recognized it as Nate’s from the Jackson & Associates’ logo and it being the only one left at the marina. As she made her way towards the vessel, she saw Nate descending to meet her, his eyes fixed on her in admiration. “Delia, you look stunning, darling," Nate exclaimed as he reached her, taking her hands and admiring her from head to toe. “Thank you," Delia murmured, feeling a bit uncomfortable under his intense gaze. Nate shook his head slightly, as if to snap out of his reverie, and gestured for her to follow him onto the boat. "This way," he said with a smile. Once aboard, the captain set sail as Nate led Delia inside the cabin, which was elegantly fitted with plush seating and a bar in the corner. “Would you like some champagne?" Nate offered, gesturing towards the well-stocked bar that held a bottle of Dom Perignon in an ice bucket. Delia nodded, a small s
As Rafe and Natasha took the stage, Delia remained transfixed in her spot, unable to tear her gaze away. Rafe still wore the same suit he had on earlier that evening, with the burgundy tie that somehow perfectly matched Natasha’s dress. It was a subtle yet unmistakable announcement of their supposed couplehood, conveyed through coordinated attire. Delia had anticipated attending the event and showing Rafe what he was missing, but the pang of hurt she felt seeing them together caught her off guard. It was one thing to intellectually prepare for the situation, but witnessing it unfold before her eyes stirred up a tumult of emotions she wasn’t prepared for. As if sensing her presence, Rafe looked up and caught her eyes, momentarily surprised to see her here standing with Aria and Ethan. He could see the hurt in her eyes and swallowed the guilt he felt inwardly. He wished she weren’t here to cause herself this pain. Despite everything, his heart yearned for her, and seeing her here
As Rafe found himself in the midst of a throng of people wishing congratulations to him and Natasha, his mind was elsewhere...Delia! Natasha, dressed elegantly beside him, smiled and graciously accepted the attention, her demeanor poised and charming. Rafe kept up the charade as he thanked those who approached them. However, his silver eyes kept scanning the sea of faces, searching for a way to escape the relentless attention. Spotting an opening near a cluster of potted plants at the edge of the garden, Rafe subtly maneuvered Natasha towards the quieter area. With a polite excuse about needing a moment to catch his breath, he gently extricated himself from Natasha's side, her hand briefly lingering on his arm before she turned her attention back to the guests. Once out of the immediate spotlight, Rafe took a deep breath, his shoulders relaxing marginally as he found a temporary respite from the overwhelming social interaction. Rafe stood there reflected on the events of the even
Rafe stood there, his chest heaving with emotions he struggled to contain. The night air was heavy with tension, his senses heightened by the lingering scent of Delia. Nate glared at Rafe, then he turned around and stomped off in the opposite direction, back towards the festivities. Rafe clenched his fists, the urge to shift still simmering beneath his skin, but he held onto the last shreds of his human control. Nate's words echoed in his mind. "I know what you are, Rafe." It was a revelation that struck deep, shaking the very foundation of Rafe's world. How could Nate know? And what did he intend to do with that knowledge? These questions gnawed at him, but now wasn't the time to dwell on them. Delia had asked for space, and despite every fiber of his being urging him to go after her, he knew he had to respect her wishes. Alex’s voice broke through his thoughts. "Rafe," he said quietly, his expression a mix of concern. "Let's talk." Rafe turned to where Alex a
As Aria’s mystery man disappeared in the shadows, Delia hurried over to Aria, placing a hand on her friend’s arm. “Are you okay? What was that about?”Aria hesitated, glancing toward where the man had vanished. “I’m fine,” she said quickly, but her voice betrayed her unease.“Aria,” Delia pressed, “Who was that? What did he want?”Aria looked away, biting her lip as if debating whether to speak. Finally, she sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. “I can’t explain right now, Delia,” she said quietly. Delia nodded reluctantly. “Alright,” she said softly. “But if you need help, promise me you’ll come to me.”Aria offered a faint smile. “I will”, she said while raking her fingers through her wavy blonde hair. “I need a drink,” she muttered, clearly exasperated.Delia, still reeling from the events of the night, managed a weak laugh. “You and me both sister!,” she said. “After tonight, I think I deserve at least two.”Aria gave her a side glance, raising a brow. “So, I guess my brother
After Aria left, Delia and Ethan had a few more drinks together whilst talking about the events of the night. Delia let out a tipsy laugh, nearly spilling what was left of her champagne. “I mean, who does Rafe think he is? Storming into that garden like some… like some overgrown wolf with a jealousy problem!” Ethan stayed quiet, his expression neutral, though there was a flicker of amusement in his eyes as he watched Delia rant. “And Natasha?” Delia continued, her voice louder than she realized. “What even is her deal? Parading around like some… like some cheap knockoff of a Bond villain!” Ethan raised an eyebrow. “A Bond villain?” he asked, unable to hide his grin. “Yes!” Delia declared, wobbling slightly as she pointed dramatically towards the party. “She has that whole ‘I’m better than everyone else’ aura, like she’s about to reveal some secret evil plan. Ugh, I really don’t like her and not because is supposedly engaged to Rafe.” Ethan chuckled softly, ca
Delia stirred awake, her face pressed against warmth, her senses slowly coming to life. The steady rhythm of a heartbeat beneath her cheek brought her comfort, though her head throbbed faintly with the remnants of last night’s drinks. Without even looking up, she knew exactly whose chest she was nestled against. She hesitated for a moment before tilting her head, her eyes meeting the intense silver gaze of Rafe. His face, calm and slightly amused, hovered above her. “Good morning,” he said, his deep voice soft and rumbling through his chest. Delia blinked, her cheeks flushing as she quickly tried to sit up. “Good morning,” she mumbled, only to immediately regret the motion as a wave of dizziness hit her. She moaned, pressing a hand to her temple. “Ugh… What am I doing here?” Rafe chuckled softly, the sound rich and teasing. “You passed out on the boat last night after… well, after venting about me. Once we got back, I carried you to my room.” Delia’s memory began to stir, th
As Rafe’s lips pressed against hers, Delia gasped softly, her hands threading into his damp hair. “Rafe…” she whispered breaking off, her voice trembling with a mix of emotions she couldn’t yet name. He pulled back slightly, his breath hot against her. “I’ve missed you, Delia,” he said, his voice husky, filled with raw honesty. “I’ve missed every part of you.” Her heart raced, each beat echoing in her ears. “Rafe,” she whispered, as she reached up to cradle his cheek. Her eyes locked with his, brimming with unspoken longing. “I’ve missed you too—so much.” Before the words could fully settle between them, their lips met again, this time with a fevered urgency. The kiss deepened, filled with the raw passion as their bodies were drawn together as though nothing else in the world existed. Rafe pressed Delia firmly against the cool bathroom wall, her back arching as the contrast of heat and cold sent shivers through her. A soft moan slipped from her lips. Rafe’s lips moved down
After Rafe and Delia finally showered, he carried her into the bedroom, his arms strong and steady as she nestled against him. The moment they reached the bed, the world outside ceased to exist. They made love with an unrelenting passion, their bodies drawn together like magnets. Time blurred as their desire seemed endless, and the day melted into night. They were insatiable, exploring every inch of each other, their connection deepening with every touch, every whispered word, and every shared breath. It wasn’t until the first rays of morning sunlight spilled into the room that they finally surrendered to exhaustion. Delia lay curled up in the sheets, her soft, steady breaths signaling her deep sleep. Rafe watched her for a moment, his heart swelling with a mixture of pride and affection. A sudden twinge in his mind broke through the peaceful moment—a mind link from Alex. “Rafe, we need to meet. It’s urgent.” Rafe sighed, already knowing the responsibilities of his positio
As Rafe’s lips pressed against hers, Delia gasped softly, her hands threading into his damp hair. “Rafe…” she whispered breaking off, her voice trembling with a mix of emotions she couldn’t yet name. He pulled back slightly, his breath hot against her. “I’ve missed you, Delia,” he said, his voice husky, filled with raw honesty. “I’ve missed every part of you.” Her heart raced, each beat echoing in her ears. “Rafe,” she whispered, as she reached up to cradle his cheek. Her eyes locked with his, brimming with unspoken longing. “I’ve missed you too—so much.” Before the words could fully settle between them, their lips met again, this time with a fevered urgency. The kiss deepened, filled with the raw passion as their bodies were drawn together as though nothing else in the world existed. Rafe pressed Delia firmly against the cool bathroom wall, her back arching as the contrast of heat and cold sent shivers through her. A soft moan slipped from her lips. Rafe’s lips moved down
Delia stirred awake, her face pressed against warmth, her senses slowly coming to life. The steady rhythm of a heartbeat beneath her cheek brought her comfort, though her head throbbed faintly with the remnants of last night’s drinks. Without even looking up, she knew exactly whose chest she was nestled against. She hesitated for a moment before tilting her head, her eyes meeting the intense silver gaze of Rafe. His face, calm and slightly amused, hovered above her. “Good morning,” he said, his deep voice soft and rumbling through his chest. Delia blinked, her cheeks flushing as she quickly tried to sit up. “Good morning,” she mumbled, only to immediately regret the motion as a wave of dizziness hit her. She moaned, pressing a hand to her temple. “Ugh… What am I doing here?” Rafe chuckled softly, the sound rich and teasing. “You passed out on the boat last night after… well, after venting about me. Once we got back, I carried you to my room.” Delia’s memory began to stir, th
After Aria left, Delia and Ethan had a few more drinks together whilst talking about the events of the night. Delia let out a tipsy laugh, nearly spilling what was left of her champagne. “I mean, who does Rafe think he is? Storming into that garden like some… like some overgrown wolf with a jealousy problem!” Ethan stayed quiet, his expression neutral, though there was a flicker of amusement in his eyes as he watched Delia rant. “And Natasha?” Delia continued, her voice louder than she realized. “What even is her deal? Parading around like some… like some cheap knockoff of a Bond villain!” Ethan raised an eyebrow. “A Bond villain?” he asked, unable to hide his grin. “Yes!” Delia declared, wobbling slightly as she pointed dramatically towards the party. “She has that whole ‘I’m better than everyone else’ aura, like she’s about to reveal some secret evil plan. Ugh, I really don’t like her and not because is supposedly engaged to Rafe.” Ethan chuckled softly, ca
As Aria’s mystery man disappeared in the shadows, Delia hurried over to Aria, placing a hand on her friend’s arm. “Are you okay? What was that about?”Aria hesitated, glancing toward where the man had vanished. “I’m fine,” she said quickly, but her voice betrayed her unease.“Aria,” Delia pressed, “Who was that? What did he want?”Aria looked away, biting her lip as if debating whether to speak. Finally, she sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. “I can’t explain right now, Delia,” she said quietly. Delia nodded reluctantly. “Alright,” she said softly. “But if you need help, promise me you’ll come to me.”Aria offered a faint smile. “I will”, she said while raking her fingers through her wavy blonde hair. “I need a drink,” she muttered, clearly exasperated.Delia, still reeling from the events of the night, managed a weak laugh. “You and me both sister!,” she said. “After tonight, I think I deserve at least two.”Aria gave her a side glance, raising a brow. “So, I guess my brother
Rafe stood there, his chest heaving with emotions he struggled to contain. The night air was heavy with tension, his senses heightened by the lingering scent of Delia. Nate glared at Rafe, then he turned around and stomped off in the opposite direction, back towards the festivities. Rafe clenched his fists, the urge to shift still simmering beneath his skin, but he held onto the last shreds of his human control. Nate's words echoed in his mind. "I know what you are, Rafe." It was a revelation that struck deep, shaking the very foundation of Rafe's world. How could Nate know? And what did he intend to do with that knowledge? These questions gnawed at him, but now wasn't the time to dwell on them. Delia had asked for space, and despite every fiber of his being urging him to go after her, he knew he had to respect her wishes. Alex’s voice broke through his thoughts. "Rafe," he said quietly, his expression a mix of concern. "Let's talk." Rafe turned to where Alex a
As Rafe found himself in the midst of a throng of people wishing congratulations to him and Natasha, his mind was elsewhere...Delia! Natasha, dressed elegantly beside him, smiled and graciously accepted the attention, her demeanor poised and charming. Rafe kept up the charade as he thanked those who approached them. However, his silver eyes kept scanning the sea of faces, searching for a way to escape the relentless attention. Spotting an opening near a cluster of potted plants at the edge of the garden, Rafe subtly maneuvered Natasha towards the quieter area. With a polite excuse about needing a moment to catch his breath, he gently extricated himself from Natasha's side, her hand briefly lingering on his arm before she turned her attention back to the guests. Once out of the immediate spotlight, Rafe took a deep breath, his shoulders relaxing marginally as he found a temporary respite from the overwhelming social interaction. Rafe stood there reflected on the events of the even
As Rafe and Natasha took the stage, Delia remained transfixed in her spot, unable to tear her gaze away. Rafe still wore the same suit he had on earlier that evening, with the burgundy tie that somehow perfectly matched Natasha’s dress. It was a subtle yet unmistakable announcement of their supposed couplehood, conveyed through coordinated attire. Delia had anticipated attending the event and showing Rafe what he was missing, but the pang of hurt she felt seeing them together caught her off guard. It was one thing to intellectually prepare for the situation, but witnessing it unfold before her eyes stirred up a tumult of emotions she wasn’t prepared for. As if sensing her presence, Rafe looked up and caught her eyes, momentarily surprised to see her here standing with Aria and Ethan. He could see the hurt in her eyes and swallowed the guilt he felt inwardly. He wished she weren’t here to cause herself this pain. Despite everything, his heart yearned for her, and seeing her here
Delia arrived at the marina and parked her car, her gaze immediately drawn to the large yacht docked nearby. She recognized it as Nate’s from the Jackson & Associates’ logo and it being the only one left at the marina. As she made her way towards the vessel, she saw Nate descending to meet her, his eyes fixed on her in admiration. “Delia, you look stunning, darling," Nate exclaimed as he reached her, taking her hands and admiring her from head to toe. “Thank you," Delia murmured, feeling a bit uncomfortable under his intense gaze. Nate shook his head slightly, as if to snap out of his reverie, and gestured for her to follow him onto the boat. "This way," he said with a smile. Once aboard, the captain set sail as Nate led Delia inside the cabin, which was elegantly fitted with plush seating and a bar in the corner. “Would you like some champagne?" Nate offered, gesturing towards the well-stocked bar that held a bottle of Dom Perignon in an ice bucket. Delia nodded, a small s