Rafael let out a low chuckle, his hands instinctively settling on her hips as she perched herself on his lap, the gentle pressure grounding him in a way he hadn’t thought possible. His fingers traced idle patterns against the fabric of her tunic, his grin softening into something unguarded, a rare glimpse beneath the teasing façade he wore so well.
The kiss lingered in the air between them, as if its echoes hadn’t yet faded, and for once, Rafael let himself sink into the quiet—into the weight of her so near, her hair brushing against his cheek, her breath mingling with his. He tipped his head, brushing a kiss to her temple before resting his cheek lightly against hers, his voice a murmur.
The clearing fell silent except for the gentle murmur of the stream and the rustling of the breeze through the trees, cocooning them in a world that felt entirely their own. Adaria’s fingers worked deftly at the ties of his shirt, her movements unhurried, as though savoring the moment for everything it was. Rafael didn’t stop her—didn’t *want* to. Instead, he leaned back slightly, his gaze fixed on hers, a half-smile curving his lips.
Rafael laughed softly, his hands tightening briefly on her hips as if to anchor himself to the moment, to her.
The sunlight filtering through the trees painted the clearing in hues of gold, and as they leaned into each other—laughing softly, sharing quiet words and unspoken promises—the world beyond faded entirely. For a time, there were no scheming brothers, no looming responsibilities, no threats or expectations. Just Rafael and Adaria, wrapped in their shared solitude, and the quiet peace of a moment stolen from time.
@Adaria Campana
Stuck with you?he murmured, his voice low and warm, carrying just enough of that familiar edge to make her laugh.
Addy, if this is being stuck, I think I’ll survive.His eyes gleamed, the mischievous flicker there not entirely masking the depth of feeling beneath.
The kiss lingered in the air between them, as if its echoes hadn’t yet faded, and for once, Rafael let himself sink into the quiet—into the weight of her so near, her hair brushing against his cheek, her breath mingling with his. He tipped his head, brushing a kiss to her temple before resting his cheek lightly against hers, his voice a murmur.
No running,he repeated, his tone soft but resolute, as if the promise was for both of them.
I’m not going anywhere, Addy. Not unless you’re coming with me.
The clearing fell silent except for the gentle murmur of the stream and the rustling of the breeze through the trees, cocooning them in a world that felt entirely their own. Adaria’s fingers worked deftly at the ties of his shirt, her movements unhurried, as though savoring the moment for everything it was. Rafael didn’t stop her—didn’t *want* to. Instead, he leaned back slightly, his gaze fixed on hers, a half-smile curving his lips.
Careful, Princess,he teased, his voice carrying a playful lilt but his expression softer than ever.
You keep this up, and I might think you like me or something.
Rafael laughed softly, his hands tightening briefly on her hips as if to anchor himself to the moment, to her.
You keep me on my toes, Addy,he admitted, his voice tinged with amusement but threaded with something deeper, something true.
And honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way.
The sunlight filtering through the trees painted the clearing in hues of gold, and as they leaned into each other—laughing softly, sharing quiet words and unspoken promises—the world beyond faded entirely. For a time, there were no scheming brothers, no looming responsibilities, no threats or expectations. Just Rafael and Adaria, wrapped in their shared solitude, and the quiet peace of a moment stolen from time.
@Adaria Campana
01-21-2025, 08:21 AM
