Chapter 35 (Author’s POV)

The night air was thick with humidity, the scent of saltwater and tropical blooms clinging to Amanda's skin as she moved through the pool. The water lapped against her bare thighs, cool against her heated skin. She knew Raphael was watching her-intensely. His golden skin gleamed under the soft lights, droplets of water trailing down his chest, disappearing beneath the surface.

She felt the weight of his gaze, the way his eyes tracked every shift of her body, but she didn't acknowledge it. Not yet.

Instead, she tilted her head, dipping her fingers into the water, swirling lazily as if she wasn't planning her next move.

"Changing your mind, sweetheart?" His voice was deep, smooth, but there was something rough underneath it-something strained.

Amanda smirked. Good.

"Maybe," she murmured, moving closer, letting her body skim just beneath the surface, teasing, waiting.

Raphael didn't move. He only watched, his jaw tightening, his muscles coiled.

A sharp breath left Raphael's lips, his hands instinctively gripping her waist beneath the water. His fingers were warm, firm, possessive.

Amanda swallowed, her heart hammering in her chest. She had expected him to react-but not like this. Not with this raw intensity, this quiet restraint that made her feel powerful.

His dark eyes locked onto hers, unreadable, yet so full of something she couldn't quite name.

"You play a dangerous game, sweetheart," he murmured, his voice thick with tension.

Amanda tilted her head, dragging her fingertips along his jawline, feeling the slight stubble beneath her touch. "And what if I win?"

Raphael exhaled slowly, his grip tightening ever so slightly on her hips.

"Then I lose," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

The admission sent a shiver down her spine.

Slowly, carefully, she leaned in, her lips hovering just above his, her breath mingling with his. His fingers traced slow, agonizing circles against her skin beneath the water, his touch sending heat pooling low in her stomach.

He was waiting.

Waiting for her to break first.

But Amanda wouldn't.

She moved closer, her lips ghosting over his ear, her voice a soft, dangerous whisper.

"Goodnight, husband."

And then she pulled away.

She felt his sharp intake of breath, the way his body tensed beneath her, but she didn't look back.

She climbed out of the pool, water dripping from her body, her heart pounding so loudly she thought it would give her away.

Raphael watched her go, his hands curling into fists beneath the water.

He was in trouble.

Because this game?

This game was going to ruin him.

Because he loved her.

And as much as he wanted to hold on to that love, the memory of what had happened on the plane clawed at his chest like a cruel reminder.

The phone call.

The reason he had left the room.

His doctor had called.

His time was running out. Faster than they had anticipated.

They wanted him to consider immediate admission.

Raphael ran a hand down his face, exhaling harshly.

He couldn't tell Amanda.

Not yet.

Not when she was finally letting him in.

The water around him was cool, but he felt like he was burning from the inside out.

And then-his phone rang again.

His jaw clenched when he saw the name on the screen.

Dr. Henshaw.

For a split second, he considered ignoring it.

But he knew he couldn't.

With a sigh, he pushed himself up and out of the pool, grabbing the phone from the small table beside his towel.

He answered. "Yeah."

"Mr. Steel," Dr. Henshaw's voice was calm, measured. "I was hoping to catch you earlier. Have you thought about what we discussed?"

Raphael ran a hand through his wet hair, glancing toward the villa. The lights were still on inside.

"Yes," he said quietly. "And the answer is the same."

A pause. "You don't have much time left to put this off. You've seen the scans, Raphael. You know what's happening."

Raphael swallowed, his throat tight.

"I know."

Dr. Henshaw sighed. "If you wait too long, there won't be much we can do. I strongly recommend-"

"I'm not checking into a hospital yet," Raphael cut him off. "Not now."

Not when he was finally living.

Another pause. Then, softer, "You're in love with her, aren't you?"

Raphael closed his eyes.

The truth was suffocating.

"Yes."

Dr. Henshaw exhaled heavily. "That makes this harder."

"Yeah," Raphael admitted. "It does."

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

Then Dr. Henshaw said, "At least let me adjust your treatment. It might slow things down."

Raphael nodded, even though the doctor couldn't see him.

"I'll think about it."

Another pause. Then, "Take care of yourself, Raphael."

The call ended.

He stood there for a moment, gripping the phone in his hand.

Then, with a deep breath, he turned and walked back inside.

Inside the bedroom, Amanda was pacing.

Her body was still warm from the way he had touched her, the way he had looked at her.

But her mind-her mind was somewhere else.

The phone call.

Who had called him?

Her stomach twisted at the thought.

Annabel.

Was it her?

Just as the thought took root, the door opened.

Raphael walked in, his expression unreadable, but there was something off about him. Something distant.

She crossed her arms. "Who was on the phone?"

He hesitated, but only for a second.

"No one important."

Amanda's eyes narrowed.

She didn't believe him.

"Was it Annabel?"

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Hey lovies, I hope you’re enjoying the story so far. Well, I’d always make every sixth chapter free. Thank you very much for your support.