Seventy one
*Freya*
I walked into the vehicle climbing aboard, I scanned the rows of plush seating, noting that many were already filled with eager passengers. My eyes locked onto the space I had intended to claim as my own, only to find Rafe seated beside it, his presence commanding even in repose. What the hell was he doing here?!
His close proximity sent a jolt through me, a mix of irritation and an undeniable surge of something more primal. The Alpha king, resplendent in his own right, sent a look that reached out to me, whispering of temptation and danger alike. For a moment, I hesitated, caught between the desire to flee and the inevitable acceptance of my fate.
Drawing in a breath, I steadied my resolve. With slow, measured steps, I made my way toward the vacant seat, past the curious glances of others, until I stood before Rafe, our future as uncertain as the clouds above us.
My feet seemed to betray me, carrying me closer to Rafe with every reluctant step. The tension between us crackled like a live wire, invisible yet palpable as we locked eyes. He was an imposing figure; his attire only accentuated that fact-a charcoal suit tailored perfectly to his broad shoulders and lean form, accented with subtle silver threads that caught the light, mirroring the steely glint in his gaze. A deep emerald tie gave a nod to his status, complementing the power that emanated from him effortlessly. He looked every inch the Alpha king, the sovereign authority he wielded reflected in the fine cut of his clothes, the confident set of his jaw. Damn him for being too perfect and handsome. Maybe that was why I found him so irresistible.
I wished the earth would swallow me whole before I had to sit beside him, still reeling from the embarrassment of his public claim on me. My pride stung sharply, the heat of my anger at odds with the admiration I couldn’t help but feel affected by his striking presence.
I glanced around, searching for an empty seat anywhere else but only ended in resignation as I realized there was none. Each occupied chair felt like a silent betrayer, pushing me towards the inevitable. As if sensing my defeat, a victorious grin spread across Rafe’s handsome face, a silent acknowledgment of the unspoken battle between us.
“Seems you’ve left me no choice,” I muttered under my breath, though loud enough for him to hear.
His smile widened just a fraction more, a silent triumph that irked me even further. With a sigh that carried the weight of my conflicted emotions, I surrendered to the moment and sat into the vacant seat beside him, the soft cushion doing little to comfort the storm brewing within me. Our arms brushed, a jolt of awareness shot through me, but I focused ahead, determined to keep my composure despite the chaos Rafe stirred in my heart.
The engine of the vehicle hummed to life, its golden luster reflecting the sun as it stood ready to ferry us to the event. The murmurs of the crowd outside faded into a distant thrum as I turned to Rafe, my voice barely above a whisper.
“Why are you sitting back here?” I asked, veiling my turmoil with an air of casual curiosity. “As the Alpha king, shouldn’t you be at the front?”
He shifted his gaze towards me, eyes glinting with the same intensity that tamed the wildest of beasts. “I could,” he said, his voice low and steady, “but then I wouldn’t get to see your lovely face.”
My breath hitched, cheeks flushing despite my resolve. Shock went through me, followed swiftly by the familiar shyness that settled like a cloak around my shoulders. I shifted my gaze, not prepared for the tender earnestness in his tone.
“Look at me, Freya,” he urged gently.
When I gathered the courage to meet his gaze once more, I found myself ensnared by the rugged handsomeness of his face-the sharp lines of his cheekbones, the curve of his lips, and the unfaltering confidence that marked him as born to rule. Tension crackled between us, a palpable force that seemed to draw us closer without movement.
Then, without warning, the vehicle lurched forward, jostling its occupants. Instinctively, I swayed towards Rafe, our bodies colliding with an almost electric shock. His hand snapped to my waist, steadying me, while I clung to the solid strength of his arm. For a moment, neither of us moved, caught in the tangled web of desire and defiance.
“Are you alright?” He whispered. His concern was evident, even as a smirk played at the corner of his mouth, betraying his enjoyment of our unintended closeness.
“Perfectly fine,” I managed to say, though my heart raced like a deer pursued by wolves. I tried to ignore how natural it felt to lean against him, how safe his touch made me feel-even as anger and embarrassment still simmered within me.
We sat there, side by side, the unspoken acknowledgment of our mutual attraction hanging heavy in the air as the vehicle began its journey toward the heart of the city.
The hum of the engine served as a backdrop to Rafe’s hushed confession, his breath warm against my ear. “Freya, you have no idea how much you affect me without even trying.” The words, laced with a potent mixture of desire and sincerity, sent a shiver down my spine despite my resolve to remain unaffected.
My pulse quickened, an involuntary reaction to the closeness of him-the man who had so brazenly claimed my lips in front of everyone. I caught the scent of his cologne, a woodsy aroma that mingled with the leather of his jacket, a sensory reminder of the man’s presence that was both comforting and unsettling.
For a moment too long, I allowed myself to lean into the warmth of his whisper, to feel the heat of his body radiating against mine. But reality, sharp and unwelcome, pierced the haze of attraction. With effort, I slid away from him, straightening my dress with trembling fingers. My voice, when it finally came back, was a weak whisper of defiance. “This-us-it can’t happen. Not now. You have… other responsibilities, the other ladies waiting for your attention.”
Rafes gaze was unyielding, his eyes reflecting a storm of emotions that held my own captive. Those other ladies are inconsequential,” he said, his voice low and adamant. “Its you, Freya. It has always been you. And I will move heaven and earth to prove that to you.
As we approached the middle of the city, the buildings outside grew denser, and the sounds of the bustling streets filtered through the walls of the vehicle. Rafe turned to me, his expression serious, commanding. “Stay close to me at all times, Freya. Do not wander off or follow anyone, no matter what.”
I nodded, my mind reeling from the intensity of his words. His declaration hung between us, as heavy and tangible as the golden adornments of the vehicle. Despite the chaos of my emotions, one thing was clear-I was an important part in Rafe’s world, and the gravity of that position was both troubling and intriguing.
I prepared to step down as others began to do so. Some part of me silently hoped that I would get to see an old friend after all this time.
****