Chapter 25 (Author’s POV)

Two days passed in a blur, and their honeymoon was now just around the corner. Amanda found herself at home that morning, browsing through online stores for outfits. Raphael had told her to shop for whatever she wanted for their trip, so she did just that.

Meanwhile, Raphael was in his study, buried in business calls. The house was quiet, the only sounds coming from Amanda's phone as she scrolled through dresses and swimsuits.

Then the doorbell rang.

She frowned, setting her phone aside as she walked to the door.

Opening it, she was met with a man-tall, handsome, and around Raphael's age. His ash-gray hair gave him a distinct look, and his confident smile made it clear that he knew exactly who she was.

"Good morning," she greeted, her voice laced with confusion.

"Good morning to you, beautiful," he replied smoothly. "You must be Amanda."

She gave him a puzzled look. "Why does everybody seem to know my name when I don't know theirs?"

He chuckled. "Well, my best friend just didn't want to share you with the world."

Her brows furrowed. "Best friend?" Then it clicked. "Raphael?"

He nodded.

"Hi, you are?" she asked.

"Michael," he introduced himself.

She smiled. "Nice to meet you. I've never met any of Raphael's friends before."

"That's because he doesn't have any," Michael said with a teasing grin. "I'm the only one he has. He loves me so much-maybe even more than you."

Amanda chuckled at that, shaking her head. "Come in, I'll get Raphael for you."

Michael nodded and stepped inside, making himself comfortable while Amanda headed upstairs.

She knocked lightly on the study door before pushing it open.

And there he was-Raphael.

Shirtless.

Only in his trousers.

Her breath hitched.

His body was sculpted like a masterpiece, every inch of him perfectly defined. She stood frozen for a moment, taking in the sight, and then-

"Are you just going to stand there staring at me, or are you going to come here and give me a kiss?"

His voice snapped her out of her thoughts. It was him-always direct, always letting her know what he wanted.

She rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. "There's a visitor downstairs. Someone wants to see you."

He smirked. "First, I need my good morning kiss."

Amanda sighed but walked over to him. As soon as she placed her hands on his shoulders, his arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer. His lips came down on hers.

The kiss wasn't gentle.

It was rough.

Needy.

Like he had been craving her all morning.

In one swift motion, he lifted her and placed her on his desk. His mouth moved over her body, kissing every inch, his hands caressing her thighs, his lips trailing down her neck.

A soft moan escaped her lips, and she gripped his back, her nails digging into his skin.

"Oh, Amanda. Oh, Amy... what are you doing to me?" he groaned against her skin before capturing her lips again.

His hands reached for her shirt, unbuttoning it before she could protest. And then, she was bare before him.

He took a deep breath, his gaze dark and full of hunger. "Damn."

Before she could say anything, his mouth descended on her breast, sucking, biting, licking-driving her insane. She moaned, her body arching into him.

When she tried to muffle her moans, he placed a hand over her mouth, his other hand kneading her other breast. The sensation was overwhelming, and she gasped, her hands gripping his hair.

"Raphael..." she moaned. "Don't stop."

He chuckled against her skin, but then, he did stop. He pulled back, staring at her, and reality crashed back into her.

Amanda's eyes widened. She quickly reached for her shirt, but before she could grab it, he snatched it away.

"So, you do want me," he said with a smirk.

"Raphael, give me my shirt," she pleaded.

"No way in hell," he said, leaning back against the desk. "Not until you tell me that you want me."

Her cheeks burned. "Raphael, please. I'm exposed."

He shrugged, his eyes raking over her. "Not like I'm complaining. I like what I see. And trust me..." he licked his lips. "Their taste is the best thing I've ever put in my mouth. I'm sure down there tastes just as good... that is, if you'd let me find out."

Amanda's mouth fell open.

"How can you say things like that without even blinking?" she asked, her face hot.

He smirked. "That's just who I am."

She groaned, burying her face in her hands. "Raphael, please."

He chuckled, loving how flustered she was. He loved watching her squirm. He loved being dominant-watching her submit. But now wasn't the time.

Sighing, he handed her the shirt. "You'd look so sexy if I ended up fucking you," he muttered as she hurriedly put it on.

Amanda gasped. "God, what is wrong with you?"

She turned to leave, but he grabbed her wrist and pulled her back to him.

"Who's the visitor?" he asked.

"Michael," she said breathlessly.

Raphael's lips curled into a smirk. "Tell him I'll be down in a moment."

Amanda nodded and turned to go.

Before she could take another step, she felt a light smack on her ass.

She whirled around. "Raphael!"

He grinned. "What? You're mine."

She shot him a glare before hurrying out of the room.

As she walked down the stairs, she felt her face burning. She couldn't believe what had just happened.

And the worst part?

She enjoyed every second of it.

A small smile crept onto her lips as she approached Michael.

"Raphael will be down in a moment," she said, trying to keep her voice steady.

Michael raised a brow, noticing the way her cheeks were flushed. He smirked. "That took quite a while. Should I be concerned?"

Amanda cleared her throat. "Not at all."

Michael chuckled but said nothing, just watching her with amusement.

A few minutes later, Raphael finally emerged, fully dressed, looking as composed as ever.

"Michael," he greeted, shaking his friend's hand.

"Raphael," Michael replied with a knowing grin. "Nice to see you still have your bad habits."

Amanda frowned. "What bad habits?"

Raphael smirked. "Nothing you need to worry about, sweetheart."

Michael chuckled. "Oh, she'll find out soon enough."

Amanda narrowed her eyes at both of them but decided to let it go.

Whatever they were talking about, she had a feeling she was about to find out very, very soon.