Safe

I can hardly breathe. My body feels like it's been through a war, every part of me aches with exhaustion, pain, and the overwhelming rush of emotions I've been fighting to suppress.

But as I hear those footsteps, my heart skips, a fleeting hope that maybe, just maybe, I won't have to face this nightmare alone.

Then I hear it. A voice I never thought would sound so comforting in this hellhole.

"Amanda?" Rafael's voice is soft but strong. His words cut through the suffocating darkness of the room, and my chest constricts at the sound.

I'm safe. He's here.

I don't even think. My body reacts before my mind can process. I lunge toward him, almost desperate for his presence, and he doesn't hesitate.

He wraps his arms around me, pulling me into his warmth as if I'm the most fragile thing in the world.

For the first time since James dragged me into this mess, I feel protected. Safe.

"I'm here. You're okay now, Amanda." His words are low and calming, but the trembling in his voice tells me everything I need to know, he was scared. And not just scared for himself.

He holds me tight. So tight I can barely breathe, but I don't care. It feels like I might fall apart if he lets me go.

"You're safe. I won't let him hurt you again." Rafael's voice is firm now, but it doesn't lose the tenderness that he's showing.

Suddenly, I feel my feet leave the ground. Rafael's lifting me in his arms, bridal style. My mind can't quite process what's happening, but I'm too tired to fight it.

"Rafael, what are you—?" The words falter in my throat, but he doesn't answer. He just keeps walking, carrying me with ease as if I weigh nothing.

The warmth of his chest against mine is grounding, even though my whole world still feels upside down.

As we step into the hallway, I look up, my heart sinking as I see James, and his men lying unconscious on the floor. Blood is splattered on the ground, and the sight sends a shiver down my spine.

Did he?

"Rafael..." I whisper, barely able to speak as my throat tightens again. "What happened to them?"

Rafael doesn't hesitate. His eyes flicker to James's body, and he speaks, his tone cold, almost detached. "For hurting you."

I blink, processing his words. For hurting me.

We walk out into the cool night air, and Rafael doesn't let me go. The world outside feels so different from what I've just experienced, the stars above, the steady rhythm of his heart against my ear, and the sound of his breathing in my ear. It's like I've been plucked out of a nightmare and placed into a dream.

He doesn't let go of me until we reach the car, where he gently places me in the passenger seat. He closes the door carefully and rushes around to the driver's side, starting the engine.

The drive back to the mansion is silent, the hum of the engine filling the space between us. I glance over at him occasionally, but I can't read his face. What's he thinking? What's going through his mind right now?

When we arrive, Rafael doesn't let me walk. Instead, he picks me up again, carrying me to my room like I'm fragile glass. I'm grateful, but something deep inside me also wonders why is he being like this?

He places me on the bed gently and sits beside me, but there's a distance now, an unspoken tension between us. I can feel it in the air, thick and heavy, as if we're both holding our breath.

"Are you okay?" His voice is soft, barely above a whisper, but I can hear the concern in it.

I nod, not trusting myself to speak. But something inside me feels off. Why is he being so... kind? So patient with me? He's usually so guarded.

Rafael takes a deep breath, and after a moment, he speaks again.

"Amanda, your parents don't know about any of this. Neither do mine." His eyes lock onto mine, his gaze intense. "I'm asking you now, do you want me to call your parents? Let them know what happened?"

The question hangs between us, and for a split second, my heart races. It's not because I want to keep this secret from them. But I know what it means if they find out.

If my parents find out, I'll never get my cards back. And right now, with everything happening, it feels like that's the one thing keeping me grounded.

I hesitate, my eyes flickering down to my hands. I know this isn't right. I know I should tell them. But the fear is overwhelming, and I don't know if I can handle the fallout right now.

"Please don't call them." The words leave my mouth before I can stop them, and the guilt hits me instantly. But it's too late now.

Rafael nods, though I can see the disappointment flash across his face. He doesn't say anything, but there's a brief silence before he speaks again.

"Are you okay?" Rafael asks again, his voice softer now as he gently checks for bruises on my arms.

His touch is soft, but I feel a spark of heat spread through me at the sensation of his fingers brushing against my skin.

"I'm okay." I manage to whisper, the words sounding hollow even to my own ears.

"Please leave me alone for now, Rafael." My voice cracks as I say it, but I don't want him to see me like this.

I don't want to be vulnerable anymore. I need time to process everything.

He stands, looking at me for a long moment. Then, he sighs, running a hand through his hair.

"I won't scold you. Not now. But when you're ready to talk, I'll be here." His voice is low and sincere.

I nod, not trusting myself to speak. He pauses for a moment longer, as if waiting for something, but when I don't say anything, he leaves quietly, closing the door behind him.

I sit there in silence, the weight of everything pressing down on me. What just happened?