“Sounds good,” I say and we head to the elevator.
My heart is racing and I can't help shaking at the memory of Elise and how violent she got. A shiver runs down my spine as I realize I've effectively ruined her life. She had it all worked out – a marriage with Raphael, and his baby. And I came in between all that... Even though I tell myself Raphael never loved Elise, I can't help but feel guilty. But one look at Raphael's handsome, chiseled face makes me forget about everything. With him, I’m sure I can finally be happy.
Chapter 17
Willa
By the time we get to Raphael's penthouse, I've managed to calm down a little. He sits me at the kitchen island and makes his famous hot chocolate. As I sip on the spicy beverage, I see he hasn't oversold it – it really is delicious.
"I hope Elise hasn't gotten to you."
I smile guiltily. "How did you know I was thinking about her?"
"I can read you like a book, trouble." He watches me with quiet interest, his inquisitive gaze making me get wet between the legs. "You don't need to worry about Elise. I'll call some favors in with an officer I know. We can get a restraining order."
"But I ruined her life."
"What do you mean?"
"This." I gesture at the beautiful apartment with gorgeous views. "I took all of this from her. And you. It's no wonder the woman hates me."
"Why are you worried about that? She's no longer part of my life."
"But she wants to be."
"That doesn't matter, she doesn't call the shots. I do."
"Okay," I mutter, nervously twirling a strand of hair around my finger. "I guess you're right."
"I'm always right, trouble. Now come here. Sit on my lap."
My skin prickles when he pats his knee. I pick myself up, leaving my mug on the counter as I get on his lap on the couch. His fingers comb through my hair and I stare into his eyes. I'm feeling so much right now, all these emotions making me weak in the knees yet weirdly stronger at the same time.
"I'm thinking about leaving LA," I whisper, my heart speeding into overdrive as I wait for Raphael's reaction. "I got accepted into Parsons, that school in NYC."
"Have you told your parents yet?"
Scrutinizing his expression for a reaction, I come up empty – unlike me, he never lets his feelings show. Frustrated, I ball my fists in my lap and look out the window at the beautiful skyline.
"I haven't, I don't think they'd like it."
"But you're telling me?"
I nod. "I want you to come with me."
"To Parsons?" He grins.
"No, to New York. Would you?" I look at him again, trying not to let my intense vulnerability show. "Mercy would come, too."
"What would I do in New York?" He trails his finger along my lips, making me gasp as he parts them.
"Be with me," I manage. "Start a family, maybe."
"A family?" He grins. "Already?"
"I want to be a young mom."
"I never knew that. How many kids do you want?"
I tap my finger against my chin. "Seven."
"Seven?" He laughs out loud. "Crazy girl."
"Why? How many do you want?"
"One for every year," he mutters, nuzzling my neck.
"I'm not a breeding machine!"
"Says who?" He grins at me wickedly. "God, I want you, trouble."
"What about New York?"
"I'll think about it. But even if you have to leave, we'll work something out. I don't want to be without you. We'll do it long distance or something."
My heart skips a beat. For some reason I thought when I brought this up, he'd want to end things with me. "Really?"
"Of course." Raphael cocks his head to the side. "You thought I would want to break up?"
I nod wordlessly.
"Never, trouble. We'll talk about it some more soon. But now... I can't keep my hands off you anymore."
"No?" I wink at him. "Sure you're not just interested in me because of my body?"
"I'd be an idiot if I didn't take advantage of everything you have to offer, Willa." He kisses a line down my neck. "Your body, your mind, your innocence, your intense emotions... it's all custom-made just for me to enjoy, isn't it?"
"Yes," I whisper breathlessly. "You have to touch me, Daddy."
"Touch you where?"
I guide his hand between my legs and his eyes widen as I push my panties to the side, pushing his pointer finger against my tight ass. "Here."
"Oh, you liked that, did you?" He smirks darkly at me. "You want to get your pretty little asshole fucked again?"
"Y-Yes." I swallow thickly. That was so fucking hard to admit, but it's the truth. I've been fantasizing about Raphael using me since we last did this. "Please, fuck it again."
"Beg."
I flush before turning my eyes to his, slowly rotating my hips on his lap until his finger gently enters me. I clasp my hands to his shoulders and exhale a loud sigh. It feels so dirty with his finger up there.