Rafael's back hit the wall, and he felt trapped as though he were in a hole with no way out, his crush's laughter echoing above him.
Forced to look up, Rafael's eyes stayed glued to Marco's, his emotions laid bare like an open book. His heart raced as if it were trying to escape from his chest.
Marco burst into a smile, releasing Rafael from the wall. He stepped back, his face returning to its neutral expression.
"You don't have to do that now; your skills will be tested soon enough," Marco said with a calm voice. "For now, focus on getting better."
"Hmm," Rafael managed to nod, his voice a mere hum, as he watched Marco leave the room. His body felt like it was suspended between reality and a dream, and he wasn't sure which one he preferred.
Once Marco was gone, Rafael released the breath he hadn't realized he was holding. As he tried to move forward, he noticed his legs had turned to jelly. His mind replayed the encounter over and over, trying to find hidden meanings in Marco's words, but his thoughts were a tangled web of confusion and intrigue.
"So, Don Marco is this playful?" he wondered aloud, though there was no one to answer.
He touched his chin where Marco's hand had been, then brought his fingers to his nose, sniffing them.
"He has a nice smell," Rafael muttered, a shy smile spreading across his face as he buried it in the pillow, a blush rising in his cheeks. His feelings for Marco were undeniable, yet the uncertainty of their relationship left him feeling vulnerable and exposed.
After debating and contemplating all that had happened, he headed to the bathroom to freshen up. His encounter with Marco was still fresh in his mind, the intensity of their interaction leaving him both intrigued and unsettled.
He couldn't shake the feeling that his life was on the brink of a significant change, and the prospect was both exhilarating and terrifying.
After dressing, he made his way to the dining room, where breakfast was already laid out. Marco sat at the head of the table, sipping his coffee with an air of casual authority. The aroma of freshly baked bread and sizzling bacon filled the room, comforting and familiar.
Rafael cleared his throat to announce his arrival as he took a seat opposite Marco. The silence stretched between them, charged with unspoken words and hidden meanings.
Servants from the mansion appeared, laying out plates and cutlery before him. His food was served with minimal questions, to which he provided the correct answers.
"Good morning, Don," he greeted, his form hitting his plate.
Marco raised his eyebrows slightly as he sipped his coffee, sparing a glance at Rafael.
His eyes flicked to Rafael's lips and back to his face before replying, "Feeling better?"
"Yes, thank you, Don. And sorry for bothering you," Rafael said, finally saying the words he had been meaning to express.
"Since you're fully recovered, you'll start your work immediately tonight," Marco stated, wiping his lips with a napkin, having finished his meal.
"Sure, I can start today," Rafael agreed, then added, seeking clarification, "But why at night? Isn't that too late?"
"Too late?" Marco repeated, confused. He looked Rafael up and down, a smirk forming. "Don't tell me you prefer doing it during the day?"
"What?" Rafael's face was a picture of confusion. "There's nothing wrong with doing it during the day."
He added with a smile, "Actually, I'm ready to do it anytime."
"Anytime?" Marco said, a grin spreading across his lips.
"I thought you were innocent, but now…" he trailed off, licking his lips. "I won't hold back."
He stood up from his seat, saying, "I'll have my secretary discuss your preferred time and see if it fits my schedule, but today, it's tonight."
Rafael wasn't given a chance to reply and could only watch as Marco left. His mind was tangled with unanswered questions, trying to decipher Marco's words.
He felt they were speaking about entirely different things, yet somehow the same. Shaking it off, he focused on eating his breakfast as his stomach growled with hunger.
After finishing his meal, Rafael left the mansion. According to the contract, he wasn't a prisoner, so he could leave whenever he pleased, as long as he returned to treat the boss when necessary. The freedom was a double-edged sword, a reminder of the delicate balance he had to maintain in his life with Marco.
However, he hadn't expected it to be quite so serious as he was driven to his destination. Rafael sighed repeatedly as he sat in the restaurant, feeling Louis's sharp gaze on him. The familiar surroundings were a comforting contrast to the chaotic emotions inside him.
Looking through the restaurant's glass window, Rafael's eyes met those of the driver who had brought him. The driver stood outside the car, leaning against it.
And also, beside him was his so-called bodyguard, who refused to leave his side. The presence of the guard was both reassuring and oppressive, a constant reminder of his ties to Marco.
"Please, can you give us some privacy? We need to talk," Rafael asked the bodyguard politely, hoping he would comply.
"Of course, sir," the bodyguard replied respectfully, stepping a few meters away.
As soon as the bodyguard retreated, Louis burst out, "I thought you said you weren't a prisoner? What's with all the security? What did you do last night to make Mr. Diaz send all his guards to protect you?"
"Louis," Rafael said wearily. "First, stop exaggerating. It's only one guard, and yes, I'm not a prisoner. He wants me safe."
"Oh..." Louis said with a teasing laugh.
"So, what happened yesterday to warrant all this?" He paused, then added, "Well? Spill it. I can read it all over your face."
Rafael, already embarrassed and initially shy about sharing what had happened, sighed at his friend's insistence.
"You can read it on my face?" he asked, amused.
"Yes, that shy look only means one thing," Louis replied with a grin. "So, did you kiss?"
"No!" Rafael retorted defensively, his blush deepening.
"Oh... why the outburst then?" Louis said with a smirk. "You're making me think something did happen. So, what exactly went down?"
Realizing his friend wouldn't relent until he got an answer, Rafael admitted with a dejected look, "I fainted, and instead of treating him, I ended up being treated."
"Oh, wow!" Louis exclaimed, delighted. "So he took care of you while you were weak. What a romantic lover."
"Hey! Who said he's my lover?" Rafael asked, his face flushing with embarrassment.
Just then, another voice sounded from behind them. "You have a lover?"