POV: Rafael Lee
The day after dinner at the family house, I was home doing absolutely nothing. Later in the day, I went to the club, seated in the VIP section, feeling unimpressed by the stripper dancing. I signaled for her to come, and on our way out, I saw the last person I expected—
Seraphina Lark.
She was sitting, staring at her friends dancing. Goddamn, she looked beautiful—hot, especially tonight. I stood there, frozen, watching her in that gold bodycon gown that hugged every curve, the gold shimmer of it complementing her glowing skin. I gave the stripper money and told her to go, my eyes never leaving Seraphina.
I approached her slowly and sat next to her. I didn't know what I was doing—but I was glad I was doing it.
"Not acting like a jerk today, huh?" she said with a soft smile.
I chuckled.
"I'm heading home. See you tomorrow," I said, trying to stand.
"You can't drive home drunk. Should I call an Uber or perhaps your driver?" she offered.
I shook my head and insisted on driving myself. But she leaned in and whispered something I couldn't catch, then swiftly snatched the car keys from my hand, insisting she'd drive me home.
---
The drive was awkwardly quiet. Twenty minutes later, we arrived at my house and parked in the garage. She was about to leave when I cupped her face and kissed her lips. It was a soft peck—until she responded.
And then it deepened.
Our kiss grew intense, heated. I trailed kisses along her face, and she moaned softly, her back pressing into the driver's seat. I unclasped her bra, lifting her top, smooching her breasts with reverence. She moaned louder, her hands fumbling with my belt.
We were caught up in the moment—until a knock on the tinted window startled us.
"Oh shit. What was I thinking?" she gasped. "What am I doing in your car? I gotta go!"
Before I could stop her, she slipped out into the night like a shadow.
"That was… good. So good," I muttered to myself, taking the elevator up to my room.
---
POV: Seraphina Lark
Oh shit. The idea was to drive him home—because he was drunk. Not to get all hot and bothered in the garage like a damn teenager. I scolded myself as I stood in the shower, scrubbing off the guilt and confusion.
Am I that accessible? How did I just let him do whatever he wanted? What was I thinking?
How am I supposed to face him tomorrow?
Oh God.
I dove into bed immediately after. There was no way I was stepping out right now. If I did, I knew exactly what my friends would say. The judgmental looks, the teasing—I wasn't ready. I left them to "play good girl" for a bad boy and nearly got wrecked in a Rolls Royce. Yeah, no one's hearing that story.
---
The Next Morning
Knock knock.
"Seraphina, wake up! Don't you have a script reading today? Get up and get ready!" Freya called.
"Are you sure she's awake?" Luna chimed in. "Ever since she got back this morning, she's been locked in here."
"I made breakfast," Lyra added casually.
I groaned, dragged myself out of bed, showered, threw on light makeup, and walked into the living room.
"Good morning, girlies. Whatever information you need will have to wait till I get back from the script reading," I said, waving them off as I grabbed my keys.
I drove my Rolls-Royce, mind buzzing. How am I supposed to face Rafael today?
Girl, be professional. Act like you don't care. You got this. Fighting!
I smiled at my little self-motivation speech.
---
I arrived late to the script reading. Everyone was already waiting. And then—we locked eyes. He looked at me with that usual cold expression… but openly checked me out.
Why does he only show me emotion when he wants something? First Bali. That night, his stare made me feel like I was the only thing in the world. Then last night, it wasn't rage—it was passion.
And today, he's back to ice. Not cool, Rafael.
The reading went well. I got to socialize with the other actors. The director said filming begins in two weeks. We were dismissed.
Everyone left—except Rafael and me.
"We need to talk," he said, stopping me with his voice.
I expected him to walk away, but he didn't.
"I'm sorry for last night. And thank you… for taking me home," Rafael said.
I blinked.
He apologized?
"It's cool. And there's nothing to be sorry about," I replied. "I wanted whatever was about to happen."
"Good. Then let's keep it strictly professional from now on," he said and walked away.
What?
Does he even know what his voice does to me? What his everything does to me?
Tall, fine-ass man. That pointed nose. Those lips—kissable. Long legs. Big hands. Broad shoulders. Those damn biceps.
God, I need to feel this man.
Is he playing hard to get?
---
I drove home and—oh yeah. I have questions to answer.
All those beautiful faces turned toward me the moment I walked in.
"Where did you go yesterday?" Lyra asked.
"I took Rafael home. He was too drunk to drive," I replied casually.
"What's going on between you and Rafael?" Amira asked.
"Well… it's complicated," I started. "But we did have sex that night in Bali. And almost had sex last night. Now he's acting like he doesn't want me, which honestly pisses me off."
Their jaws dropped.
"Luna, close your mouth before a fly gets in," I teased, grabbing a piece of chicken from the plate they made while I was away