Page 75 of Legacy

“Rafe.. what are you doing here?”

His eyes trail my pajamas or lack there of.

His smirk drops and he steps inside invading my space. He’s too quick.

In a breath, he shuts the door behind him, spins us, and presses me back against it—his face inches from mine, eyes boring into me.

“I’m checking,” he says softly.

I blink.

“For what?”

“For the woman I know. He doesn’t get to break you again Adriana.”

My breath hitches.

“Do you have this?”

I nod.

“Adriana, do you have this?”

My throats tightens.

“Yes.”

Rafael presses his forehead to mine. “I love you kid, but you have to be ready. You’re strong.”

I take a breath and hold it.

His knuckles graze my cheek. “Be the woman I know.”

His whisper hits me where I need it.

I wrap my arms around his neck and hug him. He holds me close.

Familiarity.

Strength.

Friendship.

I exhale.

“I have this. He won’t break me again.”

***

I feel like I can’t breathe.

I changed outfits six times before I settled on a cream blouse and high-waisted trousers, hoping they’d make me look put together even though I feel anything but.

No red.

Not anymore.

It used to be my favorite.