Husband With Benefits

"You’re so beautiful." Arabelle rolled her eyes at his murmured words and shook her head," And you’re just noting that, your Highness?"

Rafael smiled at the sassy reply and then unable to stop himself, leaned down and placed a kiss on her neck, trapping a water droplet as it slid down her soft skin. She shivered and arched and he felt gratified. Their chemistry really was off the chart.

"Call me Rafe. Like you did when I was inside you." She shivered again and almost moaned his name," Rafe." He smiled in satisfaction. Suddenly he kind of liked his name better.

But then he spoke the words that would no doubt make her sad as well and as much as it made him ache, he said them. "Something’s come up. I need to leave."

Her brow furrowed. "Leave? Now?"

"It’s not safe for me to stay," he said carefully, "And it’s not safe for you if I’m here." Despite knowing the risks, he was hoping that she would ask him to stay. Or offer to come with him.

And her lips parted, as if she wanted to protest, but she seemed to think better of it. Instead, she nodded slowly, her gaze searching his. She didn’t even ask what had been discovered in the bottle. Simply said," Be careful, Rafe."

He was disappointed. He wanted her to ask him to stay the night at least. It was supposed to be a one night stand. This was not that! But she simply turned around and walked into whathe assumed was the dressing room. With a sigh, he walked outside, looking for his clothes.

Once dressed, he sighed. She had yet to come out of the bedroom. Did she want him to leave without even saying goodbye? Was she avoiding the awkward ’morning after’ conversation?"