Page 148 of Jordan

Speak of the devil.

“Not at all.”

I close the book and put it on the table as Rafael takes a seat across from me.

I expected him to talk to me eventually, but I didn’t think it would be so soon. It was only a few hours ago Enzo and I gave him, seemingly, the worst news of his life. Guess Enzo does know him pretty well, and space isn’t what Rafael needs. Funny thing for a man who can’t handle commitment.

“This heat isn’t bothering you?” he asks.

“Surprisingly, it’s making me feel better. Morning sickness has been killer. Though, I’m not sure why they call it that, considering it lasts all damn day.”

“They should come up with a better name for it,” he agrees with a nod. “What are you reading?” He gestures to the book I placed face down on the table.

I hold it up. “Pride and Prejudice.”

He sucks in a breath. “I’ve seen the movie.”

“Which one?”

His eyes widen, and he looks like he’s been caught with his hand in the cookie jar before dinner. “There’s more than one?”

“Many,” I say with a little laugh.

“Uh, well, it was the one with the girl from Star Wars.”

“Had a feeling. That’s a popular one.”

“Is it the best one?”

I shrug. “In my opinion, yes. But I like the actor who plays Mr. Darcy in that one, so I guess I’m biased.”

“What other movies do you like?”

“Did Enzo send you out here?” I ask instead of answering his question. I should stop blurting things out but can’t seem to stop.

He frowns. “No.”

“Sorry,” I say, rubbing my forehead. “I just—I don’t know. I don’t want you to feel forced to talk to me if you don’t want to.”

“If I didn’t want to be here, I wouldn’t be. Both in this house and here with you right now.”

I nod, taking another sip of water. “All right. Good to know.”

“So, movies? Top five.”

“Oh, no. I have to pick only five?”

“Yep, right now. Lightning round.” He drums his hands on the table, smiling as he points at me.

I laugh. “Oh my god, this is hard. Uh, Mean Girls. White Chicks. Coyote Ugly. Clueless. Beauty and the Beast—the cartoon, not the live action.”

“One of these things is not like the rest. What the hell?” He laughs heartily.

I shrug. “It was my favorite when I was a kid, and I never grew out of it.”

“And now here you are. Trapped in this castle with the beast…” He raises a brow, holding his breath. “Too soon?”

I shake my head. “No, it’s true. Funny, actually. It’s like I knew what my life would be and prepared for it.” I make a show of looking around. “Too bad the furniture doesn’t come to life. I always did have a thing for a French accent.”