Page 66 of Endlessly Raphael
“You won’t kill my uncle, will you?” The words are out of my mouth before I can stop them.
Raphael doesn’t tear his gaze from my father as he gently squeezes my hand. “You need to trust me. I’ll do what’s right.”
My father’s eyes close, like he fell instantly asleep. Rapha gently turns my chin so that I’m facing him. “I will do my best to ensure no one is harmed, but you must understand, if it’s your life or anyone else’s, I will save you.”
Warmth spreads through me, his words like a blanket. “I’m scared.”
“No reason to be, my darling. I’m here now. Just rely on me.”
Nodding, I cup his face and kiss him hard, ignoring the busy café around me. “Later, you can tell me exactly what the fuck you’re doing to my father right now.”
He only grins, returning his gaze to my father. He suddenly opens his eyes, shaking his head and looking around for a second like he’s not sure where he is.
“What was I saying?” he asks.
“I was talking,” Raphael says. “Just telling you that the guest apartment will be ready for you and Mrs. Samir. I advise coming tonight.”
My father nods. “Yes, of course.”
Feeling my courage return, I sit up a little straighter. “Thank you for informing me of the problem. While I appreciate it and am willing to work with you to deal with the situation, I want to be clear that it doesn’t instantly make things right between us. I don’t forgive you for what you’ve done to me.”
A crease appears in his brow as his face tenses for a moment, but he nods. “I have not asked for your forgiveness, so I don’t expect it.”
“Good.”
“That said, I would advise to keep us on the board, at least until this problem is resolved. I think it’s the best way to uncover what’s happening.”
“I’ll take it into consideration.”
Rapha and I watch as my father leaves the café, and as soon as he’s gone, I slump in my chair.
“Fuck.”
“It’s okay, Haven.”
“It’s not.” I shake my head. “I’m wondering if this is really worth it? The business has already torn my family apart. Now my safety is in danger. Over money.”
Rapha nods, rubbing my back. “Money and power are powerful forces. Every war that’s ever been fought has been over one or the other or both. I understand it’s upsetting.”
“What do I do? If I don’t take over, I have nothing. But if I do… at what cost?”
“First of all, you don’t have nothing. You have me and my family.”
“It’s not…” I squeeze my eyes closed. “We’re not married because of love and commitment. I don’t know if I can count on us yet. We’ve known each other, like, a week. Yeah, it’s been awesome and we have some good things going, but it’s all new. My track record hasn’t shown that longevity is my strength.”
Raphael turns in his chair to face me, gripping my hands in his. “Valid concerns, but I can promise you I’m not going anywhere.”
My heart flutters in my chest with hope, but the doubt is still there. “How can you promise me that?”
His expression turns very serious as he glances away. “I have something to tell you, something that changes everything, but this isn’t the right place.”
“Dude, you’re gonna leave me hanging like this?”
A shy smile pulls at his lips. “I promise it’s worth it.”
I huff. “It better be. You know, you’re lucky you’re so hot and I’m literally addicted to you. I can be very bratty when I don’t get my way.”
“Mm, I’m interested in your bratty side. I bet I could tame you.”