Twice Between The Sheets (2 Nights A Week)

Chapter 11: Strawberries, Banana, Apples & Kiwi

Rachel grabbed a handful of clothes from the closet, her face flushed, and bolted to the bathroom, slamming the door behind her. Inside, her heart pounded as she leaned against the door, struggling to calm the storm of emotions brewing within her. Rafael. That maddening man. He was an idiot—a smug, insufferable idiot. She felt humiliated, not just by his actions but by her own heated reaction to him.

Meanwhile, Rafael stood by the bed, smirking to himself. The sound of the door slamming had been more satisfying than it should have been. He imagined her inside, fuming and likely trembling, embarrassed by his brazen behavior. He chuckled under his breath, running a hand through his tousled hair. He had kissed her too hungrily, too desperately, like a wolf with no regard for the innocence of the sheep. Shame should have been his dominant emotion, but instead, he felt an inexplicable satisfaction.

He slipped into his pajama bottoms, the cool fabric against his skin doing little to douse the heat still coursing through him. A faint, sweet fragrance wafted through the air, interrupting his thoughts. He paused, closing his eyes and inhaling deeply. Strawberries. It was intoxicating—refreshing yet provocative. His lips curled into a grin. She was driving him crazy, and she didn't even know it.

Inside the bathroom, Rachel stood under the hot spray of the shower, letting the water soothe her frazzled nerves. The strawberry-scented soap lathered on her skin felt like a comfort blanket, one she'd carried from childhood. Her mother had always chosen strawberry fragrances, and though she'd experimented with others over the years, nothing ever felt quite as right. She smiled faintly at the memory, rinsing off the shampoo that enveloped her hair in the same familiar scent.

Wrapping herself in a towel, she gathered her toiletries into a small bag and tied a robe securely around her body. Taking a deep breath, she stepped out of the steamy bathroom, bracing herself for whatever storm Rafael might stir next.

The bedroom was quiet, but the air felt charged. She didn't see him at first and moved toward the closet. Just as her hand reached for the knob, a larger, stronger hand pressed the door shut above hers. She froze. Turning slowly, her breath hitched as she found herself mere inches from Rafael. His dark eyes glittered with mischief, and his smirk was nothing short of dangerous.

"Rachel," he murmured, his voice low and teasing, "you smell... so sweet." He sighed as if her scent alone could unravel him.

Her heart thundered in her chest. She wanted to look away, to escape the intensity of his gaze, but she feared it would betray her. The tension between them was palpable, a magnetic force pulling her closer even as she tried to resist.

"Rafael, please..." she managed, her voice barely above a whisper.

But he didn't move away. Instead, he closed the remaining gap, his body pressing against hers, firm and unyielding. His breath was warm against her cheek, carrying the heady mix of masculinity that made her knees weak.

"Baby," he murmured against her ear, his voice thick with desire, "it's throbbing... I can't help it."

Her cheeks burned. She was caught in a whirlwind of sensations, her mind screaming to push him away even as her body betrayed her, leaning into the warmth he offered. His hands slid down to the belt of her robe, and with a deft pull, it fell open, exposing her shoulders. Her towel was the only barrier between them now.

"Stop it," she whispered, attempting to sidestep him, but he caught her arms, his grip firm but not painful.

"Rachel," he said, his tone softening, "you're driving me insane. Let's move to the bed."

"No!" she protested, her voice stronger now. "We had a deal. This—this isn't part of it."

"A deal?" he laughed darkly. "Deals are for business. This is something else entirely."