Chapter 247
Eliana Bennett sighed blissfully, her body melting under the touch. “This feels amazing. I didn’t realize how much I needed it p>
Rafael turned his head toward her, his voice laced with tenderness. “You deserve this and more, Eliana. Every day, I think about how I treated you before—cold, distant, pushing you away when all you did was care. I’m sorry. Truly. I want to make it right p>
She opened her eyes, meeting his gaze—or what the masseuse thought was his unseeing stare. A d whispered, “Rafael, you said that at the hospital. I forgave you then. But trust… it doesn’t come back overnight p>
“I know,” he murmured, his hand reaching across the space between tables to clasp hers. “That’s why I’m here, like this. Vulnerable. Let me show you.” During the session, he directed the therapists with precise instructions, pretending to rely on touch and sound. “A little lower on my back—yes, there. The accident left me stiff.” But his words to Eliana were intimate whispers. “Feel that? My heart racing for you. You’ve completely shattered my walls, love. No one else has been able to do that p>
The couples’ portion intensified the closeness. The masseuses guided them through synchronized touches—Rafael’s strong hands, under pretense of guidance, gently tracing Eliana’s arm, his fingers lingering with a feather-light caress. “You’re glowing,” he said softly, his breath warm against her ear. “Carrying our child, facing the world with that quiet strength of yours. I’m in awe of you p>
Eliana’s heart fluttered, a warmth spreading through her that had nothing to do with the oils. She felt nice, happy even, the knots in her muscles unraveling like her reservations. But the trust issues lingered, shadows in her mind. Still, seeing him try—really try—stirred something deep. She hadn’t expected this attraction post-marriage; his commanding presence, once intimidating, now drew her in like a magnet.
“You’re… different now,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “More open. It’s astonishing, Rafael. I didn’t think you’d be this… devoted p>
He chuckled lightly, the sound vibrating through their joined hands. “Devoted? That’s an understatement. I’d move mountains for you, Eliana. Just give me time to prove it p>
The session stretched on, luxurious and languid, with the masseuses fading into the background as the couple’s conversation deepened. “Remember our first real date?” Rafael asked, his tone nostalgic. “I was so guarded, snapping at every little thing. You saw through it, though. Saw the man beneath p>
“I did,” she replied, a soft laugh escaping. “And you were a pain, but there was something… magnetic. Now, with all this She gestured vaguely at the spa setup. “It’s like you’re a new person p>
“Not new,” he corrected gently. “Just honest. Finally p>
As the treatments wound down, the masseuses packed up discreetly. “Thank you for a wonderful evening,” Maria said, bowing slightly. “We’ll see ourselves out p>
James lingered a moment longer, adjusting a diffuser. “Everything to your satisfaction, sir? Ma’am p>
“Perfect, James,” Rafael said. “You can head out too. We’ve got it from here p>
James nodded, his kind eyes twinkling behind his glasses. “Goodnight, then. Call if you need anything.” The door clicked shut, leaving them alone.
In an instant, Rafael dropped the act. He swung his legs off the table with fluid grace, he immediately removed the contact lenses from his eyes, then his steel-grey eyes—sharp and piercing—locking onto hers. No more clouded pretense; he stood tall, his athletic build commanding the room. “God, it’s a relief,” he said, stretching with a grin. “No more fumbling around like a fool in front of strangers. You knowing my secret… it’s freeing, Eliana p>
She sat up, her robe slipping slightly off one shoulder, revealing the warm curve of her skin. “It must be exhausting, pretending all the time p>
“You have no idea.” He stepped closer, his hands cupping her face with a tenderness that belied his ruthless past. “But with you, I can be real.” Leaning in, his lips captured hers in a kiss that started soft, building with the pent-up emotion of months. It was electric, his mouth moving against hers with hunger, his arms wrapping around her waist.
Eliana melted into it for a moment, her hands tangling in his dark hair. But then reality crashed back— the betrayal she was trying hard to forget, her trust issues—She broke away, gasping, her eyes wide with conflict. “Rafael, wait… I can’t. Besides our marriage contract is only for a year; we shouldn’t be doing this p>
Before he could respond, she slid off the table and bolted, her bare feet padding across the plush carpet toward the hallway. Her heart pounded, a mix of desire and fear churning inside her.
“Eliana!” Rafael called, his voice a mix of frustration and determination. He followed swiftly, his long strides closing the distance. “Don’t run from this—from us p>
She reached her bedroom door, but he was there, scooping her up into his arms bridal style before she could turn the knob. “Put me down!” she protested, her fists lightly thumping his chest. “Rafael, I’m serious p>
“Oh, I know you are,” he replied, his tone half-teasing, half-serious, as he nudged the door open with his foot and carried her inside. The room was a sanctuary of soft linens and muted lights, her bed inviting with its pile of pillows. “But you’re exhausted, love. And that masseuse? She barely touched your lower back. Let me do it right p>
She wriggled, but his hold was gentle yet firm, his arms like steel bands wrapped in velvet. “You’re impossible,” she huffed, but as he lowered her onto the bed, the fight ebbed. Being in his arms felt… good. Safe. The warmth of his body against hers, the steady beat of his heart—it lulled her protests into silence.
“See? Not so bad,” he murmured, settling beside her. He arranged the pillows behind her, then began rubbing her lower back with skilled, circular motions. “Breathe, Eliana. Let me take care of you p>
She sighed, her body relaxing despite herself. “Fine… but just the back. And feet, maybe. They still ache from walking campus all day p>
“Deal,” he said with a triumphant smile, his hands moving to her feet, kneading the arches with just the right pressure. “You know, I never thought I’d be this man—the one pampering his wife like this. But for you? I’d do it every night p>
As his touch worked its magic, conversation flowed easily. “Tell me about your day,” he prompted. “Did Jax and his friends treat you well p>
She chuckled softly, her eyes half-closed. “They’re ridiculous. Will brought a cushion for my back, Liam called me ’princess.’ It’s like having five big brothers p>
“Good,” Rafael said, his voice laced with possessiveness. “They know you’re precious. And Henry? Did you see him p>
Her smile faded slightly. “Yeah… in the cafeteria. He ignored me. It hurts, but I get it. I broke his heart p>
Rafael’s hands paused, then resumed with extra gentleness. “His loss, my gain. You’re mine now, Eliana. And I’m not letting go p>
The massage stretched on, the room growing dimmer as night fell. Eliana’s eyelids grew heavy, her body sinking into the mattress. Unknowingly, she shifted closer, nestling into his side. Rafael froze for a moment, then wrapped his arms around her, pulling her against his chest. She murmured something incoherent, already drifting into sleep.
He watched her, her soft heart-shaped face peaceful, her breaths even. “I’m the luckiest man alive,” he whispered to the darkness, his heart swelling with a love he’d never thought possible. For the first time in years, the bitter puppet master felt truly alive—anchored by the woman in his arms.