âAre you really okay?â he asked.
Allie smiled, and Rafael didnât know whether to focus on her smile or her tearful eyes.
âYou comforted me, so Iâm happy.â
At that moment, Rafael sincerely recognized that his earlier attitude had been excessive.
Iâm sorry.
âIâm even happier now!â Allie turned around, linking her arm with Rafaelâs and resting her head against his arm. âHaving one more round of sex tonight isnât asking too much, is it?â
Rafael sighed. âBeing so young, how can you be soâ¦â He couldnât finish the sentence.
âHow can I be what?â Allie pressed.
âArenât you pleased? Donât all men like this?â
Rafael coughed uncomfortably, diverting his gaze as he turned his face away. âExcessive amounts of it can be draining rather than enjoyable. You should take your health into consideration.â
Allie asked, âAre you concerned about my health?â Rafael nodded with detachment.
Allie grasped his arm firmly with both hands.
Joelle and the others observed from above as Allie radiated energy, clinging to Rafael with an almost inseparable attachment. The ten-year age gap was unmistakable at first glance, but the longer one watched, the more harmonious their connection appeared.
A collective sigh of relief swept through those around them, but Allie, with her innocent demeanor, leaned in and murmured in Rafaelâs ear, âIf youâre genuinely worried about my health, then why did you accelerate when I asked you to halt?â
Rafaelâs expression betrayed a flicker of annoyance. âThatâs enough. As a young lady, you incessantly ponder about such things. How would others perceive you?â
Allie remained unfazed by othersâ opinions; she relished the sight of Rafaelâs serious expression. It was akin to the exhilaration of shattering a meticulously curated tableau. For Allie, it was a stress reliever.
âIt is often said that physical attraction is the most challenging to resist. I find myself irresistibly drawn to you. Do you feel the same pull towards me?â
Rafael denied her the opportunity to continue the conversation. Once responded to, Allie would carry on endlessly.
Rafael chose not to respond and instead joined the others to begin preparing the barbecue.
Before long, the temperature began to drop. Allie didnât have an extra coat, and Joelle was the first to notice.
âAllie, you should put on your coat. Iâll find a blanket for Aurora.â
âNo need, Joelle. Donât let Aurora catch a cold.â
âButââ
âIâm fine.â Allie wrapped herself in Rafaelâs coat, which he had previously removed.
The lining was still warm, and it carried Rafaelâs scent. It made Allie feel like she was enveloped in his embrace, instilling a profound sense of security within her.
Amidst the lively chatter and bustling atmosphere, the five of them gathered together, sipping drinks and engaging in conversation. Michael let out a sigh and said, âIf only Lacey were still here.â
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Message from Noa: Happy Thursday! I hope youâve enjoyed the latest chapters! God loves you and Noa wishes you the best. (ÉOâ¿=)É â¥
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