Sleeping with the Enemy

I was really hoping I could find him here, and my heart twists in agony when I consider the possibility of Rafael having already dismissed me from his mind. Rafael might even be in another woman's company for all I know, and I can't blame him if he were.

I take one of the vacant stools by the counter, and after ordering myself a Bloody Mary, I find myself succumbing to desperation and posting on social media.

There.

The old me would never have done anything like this, but even though Nic was my original reason for wanting to be bad and do bad, I've come to realize that I want to be this bold new me for myself.

All my life, I foolishly thought that waiting for things to happen was synonymous to being a good girl.

Obviously, I was wrong.

If you want something, you need to find a way to make things happen...just like how Scarlett and Francesca made true love happen for themselves.

So this time—-

I clear my throat when the bartender hands me my Bloody Mary. "Um, excuse me?"

"Yes, Ms. Verhoff?"

The fact that he knows my name is disconcerting, but I also know it goes with the territory, since my brother does happen to be one of the world's wealthiest men.

Maybe...I can even turn my connection to Stone into an advantage, considering what I'm about to ask for?

I've never been the type to name drop or use my connections to gain favors, but I've never been this desperate either, so...

"I was wondering if you have Rafael's number?"

"Ah."

"I know it makes me sound like a stalker," I say in a rush, "but you, um, know who I am, so, you know...I can't be one...right?" By the time I finish speaking, I just want to disappear completely. I can't believe I said something that gross—-

"I do, Ms. Verhoff—-"

My embarrassment is all but forgotten, and I perk up the moment I hear his words. "Really?"

"But I don't think you'll need it."

"What? Why?" I have never been tempted to throw a tantrum like some spoiled little heiress, but I might just do that if this bartender won't give me what I want. "I really do need his number—-"

"Even if Mr. Accorsi is already standing behind you?"

Oh!

My heart races as I spin around on my stool, and my breath catches when I see that it really is Rafael standing behind me.

He has everyone staring at him again, but because I now know why that is, the fact leaves me feeling tongue-tied and intimidated.

Since Pre-Francesca Nic typically only has time for work, the fact that he recognizes Rafael means he has to be some really, really famous athlete...and one who's good at what he does, too, as both my brother and Nic have this thing about only paying attention to what other winners do.

Rafael already felt out of my league when I didn't know a thing about him, but now that I know what I know...

Do I really have a chance with Rafael, when he's the type of guy who can have any woman he wants?

Rafael speaks to the man seated on the stool next to mine, and I'm left blinking when the man vacates his place...but only after having a selfie taken with Rafael.

"Well..."

Rafael slides into the stool, and my heart skips a beat as our knees bump into each other.

"This was quite a surprise."

I'm about to ask what he means when Rafael shows me his phone, and my cheeks turn pink when I realize that my Instagram gamble has paid off.

I'm sorry. Please let me explain. Waiting for you where we first met.

Since he didn't have any social media accounts for me to tag, posting a cryptic message on social media was the only thing I could think of to reach out to him.

"Have you read any of the comments?"

I shake my head.

"Good."

I'm feeling a little confused again. "Why? Did someone say anything that awful?"

"Depends on your definition of awful."

My curiosity grows, and Rafael growls when he sees me taking my phone out.

"Don't bother reading any—-"

But it's already too late, and my eyes widen when I realize what he's talking about. There are about several dozens of comments on my Instagram post, and all of them are from guys saying things like 'I forgive you babe, but I forgot where we first met. Slide into my DMs, will you?'

I do my best to keep my face expressionless as I lift my head, but the moment I see him scowling, I'm no longer able to help it, and a sunny smile breaks over my lips.

"You're jealous," I say giddily.

"Fuck no."

"I think you are."

"I can't be jealous," Rafael says silkily, "over a girl who's still pining for another guy?"

Oh.

Rafael's gaze narrows. "Aren't you going to say anything?"

I'm still trying to think of the best place to start when Rafael's lips suddenly tighten, and I realize he's misunderstood my reaction in the most terrible way...yet again.