Scented Claudia

Here i am at the coffee shop, waiting for Andres, right across from the hospital where Raphael works.

Perfect location for my evil plan.

At least, that's what i keep telling myself to justify this.

Because really, I do have a legit reason to meet Andres: we need to discuss the limited edition perfume for the Middle East market.

I even brought the sample with me.

If he likes it, production can start immediately and we can ship it to his malls in Dubai.

So… it's not just sabotage.

It's business.

Right?

I blew out a breath, trying to calm my racing heart.

A few minutes later, I spotted Andres sauntering over, that annoyingly confident smirk plastered on his face.

"There you are, my beautiful sister!" he greeted grandly, sliding into the chair across from me.

I arched a brow. "Sister?"

He shrugged, unfazed. "My dad's your godfather. Basically family."

I snorted. "That's not how that works. But sure. Whatever helps you sleep at night."

He just grinned, reaching for the coffee menu.

I rolled my eyes, handing him the perfume sample.

He lifted it, gave it a sniff, and nodded appreciatively.

"This is good," he said seriously. "Elegant, but not too strong. It'll sell like crazy in Dubai."

"Glad you approve. Once you confirm the order, production can start right away."

"Perfect."

He set the bottle down but didn't break eye contact. "Okay, but enough business. Tell me why you really called me here instead of doing this over the phone. You never bother going out unless there's more to it."

I let out a reluctant laugh. "You know me too well."

Before i could answer properly, my gaze flickered to the entrance.

And there he was.

Raphael.

Walking in with his colleagues, Cahnel and Aleine.

I hadn't planned for them to see me here, honestly! but it was divine timing.

I forced myself to keep my eyes on Andres, pretending not to notice.

But I could feel Raphael's stare like a heat ray burning into my skull.

Andres noticed too, and the little devil smirked.

He draped an arm casually around my shoulders.

"You don't mind, do you?" he murmured, voice dripping with mischief.

I fought a laugh. "Oh, I mind. But please. Continue."

I risked a quick glance at Raphael.

His expression? Thunderous.

Jaw tight, eyes narrowed, looking at Andres' arm like he was deciding which saw to use to cut it off.

Bingo.

Raphael didn't even bother pretending.

He walked straight over, looming over our table like a storm cloud about to burst.

"You didn't tell me you had plans today," he said coolly, though there was steel in his voice.

I gave him a bland look, stirring my coffee. "I didn't know i needed to clear my schedule with you."

His eyes flicked to Andres' arm, then back to me.

Without another word, he reached forward and unceremoniously peeled Andres' arm off my shoulders, making his point loud and clear.

Andres snickered like a troll. "Relax, man. We were talking business."

Raphael ignored him completely, his gaze locked on mine. "What's this all about, Claudia?"

I sat back in my chair, feigning wide-eyed innocence. "Whatever do you mean?"

His jaw ticked. "Is it because i still don't want a kid?"

His tone was low and dangerously calm, but i could see the fire in his eyes.

I nearly smiled. Oh, it's working.

Instead, I sipped my coffee, slow and deliberate. "Hmm. I don't know, Raphael. Should i?"

His glare darkened.

He hated this game.

Which only made it better.

Andres, sensing the tension thickening like glue, wisely decided he valued his life.

"Well, as much as i'd love to stay for this…whatever this is," he said, standing and grabbing the perfume sample. "I have a flight to catch. Claudia, I'll message you about the order. Raphael…" He shot him a meaningful smirk. "Take care of your wife."

With that, he sauntered off, leaving us alone at the table.

Raphael sat down in the seat Andres had vacated, his eyes still locked on mine.

I smirked over the rim of my cup, taking a sip like i didn't have a care in the world.

"Why do you look so pissed?" I asked lightly, tilting my head.

"Don't play dumb, Claudia," he growled.

"You're out here flirting with another man while i'm right across the street?"

I nearly choked. "Flirting? Please. That was Andres."

"I don't care if he's Andres, Andrew, or the Pope," he snapped.

He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to something dangerous. "I didn't like what i saw."

I bit my lip to keep from smiling outright. Oh, he's so mad.

"Not really my problem, is it?" I shrugged, drumming my fingers on the table.

"Claudia." His voice was a warning now.

"Raphael," I mimicked sweetly, batting my lashes.

His fingers drummed harder on the table.

He let out a harsh exhale through his nose. "You're enjoying this."

I tilted my head, pretending to think. "What makes you say that?"

"Because you're smiling like an idiot."

"Oh, that's just because my date was so fun," I purred, hitting the word date like a punchline.

His jaw practically cracked from clenching so hard.

In one swift movement, he shot forward and grabbed my wrist.

"You're mine, Claudia."

I raised a brow, unbothered. "Then act like it."

He stared at me, eyes dark and furious.

Then he let out a guttural sigh, rubbing his temples like he was in pain.

"Get up. We're going home."

I pouted, twirling my straw. "But i'm not done with my coffee—"

He didn't let me finish.

He stood, yanked me up, and practically dragged me out of the café.

Mission accomplished.

-

As soon as we got into the condo, all hell broke loose.

He slammed the door shut behind us, grabbed my face, and crashed his lips onto mine with raw urgency.

His hands found my waist, pulling me flush against him like he couldn't stand the inches of space.

I melted immediately, kissing him back just as hungrily.

We stumbled toward the bedroom, knocking into walls and furniture, his lips never leaving mine.

When we finally hit the bed, he pushed me down gently but firmly, pinning me with his weight.

"This is what you want, right?" he growled against my lips, voice thick with heat.

I swallowed, my fingers threading through his hair. "Isn't it obvious?"

His eyes burned into mine, something possessive and desperate swirling there before he kissed me again, slower, deeper, like he was trying to memorize me.

He took his time.

His lips trailed down my neck, his hands exploring every curve, every inch.

I shivered under his touch, electricity buzzing through my veins.

"You have no idea how hard it was to hold back," he whispered against my skin.

A breathy laugh escaped me. "Then don't hold back."

And he didn't.

His restraint shattered.

Every kiss, every touch was searing, like he was branding me as his.

We moved together as if we'd been waiting our entire lives for this moment.

He murmured my name like a prayer, his forehead pressed against mine.

"You're mine."

"I've always been yours," I whispered back, my voice breaking as i pulled him closer.

We lost ourselves in each other until there was nothing left but heat, skin, and whispered confessions neither of us could deny anymore.

When it was over, he collapsed beside me, pulling me into his arms.

His fingers threaded through my hair while our breathing slowly calmed.

I pressed my cheek against his chest, listening to his heartbeat.

"I can't believe that just happened," I mumbled, a delirious smile on my lips.

He let out a breathless chuckle and kissed the top of my head. "Believe it. No more running away."

I shifted so k could see his face, tracing lazy circles on his skin. "So… does this mean you're ready?"

He sighed, though there was a small, tired smile playing on his lips. "We'll talk about that later."

I pouted, but he pulled me tighter, pressing a kiss to my hair.

Fine. I could wait. For now.

I closed my eyes with a victorious grin.

Mission. Success.