Twice Between The Sheets (2 Nights A Week)

Chapter 12: A Bargain's Price

Arabella's smile faltered, the joy draining from her face as the weight of the bargain crashed back into her thoughts. Before she could muster a retort, Rafael swooped down, claiming her mouth with a kiss that stole the very breath from her lungs.

His hand slid with practiced ease up her bare thigh, disappearing beneath the delicate hem of her skirt. The sudden warmth of his palm against her skin sent a sharp chill racing down her spine, a jolt that mingled shock with a betrayal of sensation.

The kiss deepened, his lips coaxing hers into submission even as her body twisted in protest. His hand crept higher, gathering the soft fabric of her skirt as if it obeyed his will. Arabella squirmed, her heart pounding a wild rhythm against her ribcage, but Rafael was unrelenting.

His other arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her back against the solid, unyielding frame of his body. Her free hand pressed desperately against his bicep, but her strength was no match for his raw, consuming desire.

"Stop..." Her plea was muffled, her struggle clear, but Rafael's burning need clouded any chance for reason. His palm spread over the curve of her backside, a mischievous squeeze drawing a gasp from her lips—a sound that betrayed more than her words ever could.

And then, salvation came in the form of a dry, awkward cough.

"Ahem. Ahem!" Levi's voice broke through the tension, startling Arabella and Rafael alike.

Rafael froze, his lips hovering over hers, and his grip slackened. His head snapped toward the source of the interruption. There stood Levi, hands comically spread over his eyes yet peeking shamelessly through the cracks of his fingers.

"Really?" Levi asked, his tone a mixture of amusement and dismay. He waved a free hand like a flag of truce.

Rafael released Arabella and stepped back, irritation flickering across his face. Damn it. Just when it was getting good.

Arabella staggered backward, wiping her mouth in a gesture that was more for her pride than necessity. She turned to Levi, her cheeks aflame with embarrassment and mortification. The humiliation of being caught in such an intimate moment by her best friend twisted her insides. Her glare snapped to Rafael like a whip.

"Sicko!" she hissed, her voice dripping with venom. No man had ever dared touch her so boldly, so offensively. She hated him—loathed him. This was no suave negotiator or playful rogue. This was a pervert. A sicko. A maniac womanizer who thought the world bent to his will. Well, not her. Never her. No matter the bargain, she'd rather pack her bags and join her parents in Paris than surrender to him.

"Bella, Bella!" Levi called, stepping forward to snap her out of her spiraling rage. "Uh, girl..." His voice dropped to a whisper. "I can see your butt cheek from here."

With a quick yank, Levi tugged her skirt down, avoiding eye contact as he muttered under his breath. His gaze flicked to Rafael, who had the audacity to wink, making Levi fan himself with exaggerated drama. "Oh my God," Levi mumbled, his cheeks turning a shade pinker.

Arabella's mortification deepened. She grabbed Levi's arm and yanked him in front of her, using him as a makeshift shield. "Stand there!" she hissed, tugging at her skirt to straighten it.

Rafael chuckled softly, his dark eyes dancing with mischief as he leaned against the counter. "Baby," he drawled, his voice a slow, taunting melody. "I hope you're not thinking of running away from our deal."

"I—I didn't forget!" Arabella stammered, peeking out from behind Levi's shoulder. "But not today! Y-you haven't even gotten yourself checked yet!"

"I knew you'd say that." Rafael grinned, producing a folded piece of paper from his pocket and setting it on the counter with a flourish. "All taken care of."