His sinful Obsession

Mesmerized

This chapter contains mature theme. So if you are uncomfortable just skip this chapter.

"It's freaking 7 AM, Lisa. Don't do this to me, my love."
James groaned, pulling the blanket over his head in protest.
Lisa, however, was completely unbothered by his whining. She yanked the covers off him with one swift motion, earning a dramatic gasp from her husband.
"Get up, James. Rafael wants to have breakfast with you."
James peeked at her through one sleepy eye.
"Did I say I want to have breakfast with him? No. Right? Then why, my dear, sweet wife, are you torturing me at this ungodly hour?"
Lisa crossed her arms, unimpressed.
"Because it doesn't matter what you want."
James gasped again, clutching his chest as if she had mortally wounded him.
"Baby, I am your husband!"
Lisa leaned in, smiling sweetly.
"Thanks for the reminder."
Then she gave his shoulder a light shove.
"Now, get up."
James huffed, rubbing his eyes like a child forced out of bed on a school morning.
"You know, I think I have to make you stay in bed for a few days. Let me come home tonight and-"
"James!"
Lisa squeaked, turning red.
He grinned lazily, clearly proud of himself.
"What? Just saying, Mrs. Romano, you wake me up at ungodly hours; I'll have my revenge later."Lisa rolled her eyes, but the blush on her cheeks betrayed her.
"Just get up already! Rafael will be visiting Mother today. He'll come home with that same upset look, and he won't tell anyone what's wrong."
She sighed.
"You know how he is. Please... take care of him."
James' playful expression softened. He reached for her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.
"I will, my love. Don't worry."
Lisa smiled, leaning down to kiss him. "I love you."
James pulled her closer, smirking against her lips.
"Mmm... A morning kiss? Maybe waking up early isn't so bad after all."
Lisa laughed, pulling away before he could trap her in bed again.
"Nice try. Now, get up, or I'm telling Rafael you were too scared to face him at breakfast."
James groaned dramatically.
"Fine, fine! But just so you know, you owe me for this."
Lisa smirked.
"We'll see about that."
With a wink, she walked off to the kitchen, leaving her husband to face the inevitable morning with Rafael.
Poor James.

.

.

"Rafael, let me get the car keys,"
James offered, already moving toward the counter.
"Daisy's school is off today," Lisa chimed in, concern lacing her voice.
"So please, come back before lunch."
Rafael barely spared her a glance as he adjusted the cuffs of his suit. "No need. Nicolas will be there. And don't wait for me-I'll be back in the evening. My flight is at night."
Lisa frowned, stepping closer.
"Brother, you came after so long. Stay a few days more." Her voice softened, carrying the weight of unspoken emotions.
Rafael's expression remained unreadable.
"You know I can't stay. Don't utter nonsense."
Lisa sighed inwardly.
He's back to being cold again.
No one could argue with Rafael once he made up his mind. He was a fortress-unshaken, unreadable.

Lisa knew better than to push when he was in this mood.
James, however, was not one to hold back. He wrapped an arm around Lisa and said,
"At least don't be rude to my wife. You want to go alone? Fine. Just keep your guards with you."
Rafael didn't bother responding. Without another word, he turned on his heel and walked out, the sound of his shoes echoing against the marble floor.
Lisa let out a quiet breath as she watched him leave.
"Will he ever change?" she murmured.
James smirked, kissing the top of her head.
"Doubt it. But that's why we love him, right?"

The ride was suffocatingly silent. Nicolas, seated beside Rafael, kept his gaze fixed on the road. He could feel the tension radiating off his boss, thick and suffocating.
The Russians were testing his patience.
That was a mistake-a grave one.
Nicolas knew better than to provoke Rafael when he was like this. One wrong word, one ill-timed comment, and everything could spiral out of control.
As they neared their destination, Nicolas cleared his throat, mentally preparing himself to speak.
"Boss, we're about to-"Before he could finish, Rafael had already opened the door and stepped out.
Nicolas exhaled sharply, shaking his head.
Great.
If the Russians thought they could play games with Rafael Salvatore, they were about to learn just how ruthless he could be.