Always you

Chapter 19

Sasha knew she wasn't going home tonight the second she sat back in Rafe's car. Her heart beat loudly in her chest, as they drove around the broad avenues, Rafe's hand caressing her thighs the whole way, sneaking small glances and smiles at her at every opportunity. Soon, they pulled up to the main entrance of 'Four towers', the most luxurious residential complex in the outer banks.

The doorman swiftly opened Sasha's door, offering her a warm smile as he greeted her. She smiled at him, and walked around the front of the car, meeting Rafe halfway. He smiled at her for the thousandth time this night as he took her hand, and walked through the doors.

They stood in a comfortable silence as they rode the elevator up to the 24th floor, and then towards the main penthouse. Rafe let go of Sasha's hand to open up the door, and as soon as he did, Sasha was completely speechless. The whole place was incredible.

With a gorgeously decorated interior, and beautiful art on the walls, and most importantly the large glass windows serving as walls entranced Sasha, like a child discovering candy for the first time. She was completely in awe as she slowly walked towards the centre of the living room, through the spacious hallway, not waiting for her company, knowing he was close behind.

She stood by the windows, struck by the beauty of the night beyond her, and the view it presented. The soft clink of Rafe's car keys hitting the marble tabletop brings her back to life, as she turns around to face him. "Rafe...what is this place?"

A small smile spread on Rafe's face as he slowly crept towards Sasha. "It was a birthday present from my dad for my 18th. I thought I would move in when I got it but, I never really did," he explains as Sasha just stands there.

Sasha took a step closer, curiosity flickering in her gaze. "Why not?"

Rafe turned to look at her, his expression thoughtful. "I guess I wasn't comfortable enough with anyone. I didn't want this place to feel wrong."

Sasha studied him for a moment, her chest tightening at his admission. There was something vulnerable in the way he said it, a side of Rafe she didn't see often. "That makes sense," she said softly. "You were waiting for the right person."

He nodded slightly, his eyes meeting hers. "Yeah. Maybe."

Her heart skipped a beat under the weight of his gaze. She glanced around again, her lips curving into a teasing smile. "Well, I think it's wasted just sitting here empty. You should definitely start using it more."

"Think so?" His voice was low, and there was a playful edge to his tone as he pushed off the table and walked toward her. "You volunteering to move in and keep me company?"

Sasha rolled her eyes, but she couldn't suppress her grin. "I didn't say that."

Rafe stopped just in front of her, his proximity sending a shiver down her spine. "Sounded like you did," he said, his voice dropping to a soft murmur. "You'd make this place feel... right."

Sasha's breath hitched as his fingers brushed against her arm. "Rafe..."

"Yeah?" He tilted his head, a small smirk playing on his lips.

"You're impossible," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

He grinned, leaning in closer. "And you like it."

Before she could respond, his lips brushed against hers in a kiss so soft and tentative it made her knees go weak. She sighed into the kiss, her hands finding their way to his chest, feeling the steady thrum of his heartbeat beneath her fingers. The softness quickly gave way to something deeper, more intense. Rafe's hands slid to her waist, pulling her closer as the kiss deepened, leaving them both breathless.