novelraw Chapter 203: Matured Lover
Chapter 203: Matured Lover
Chapter 203: Matured LoverRafael hesitated then, words catching in his throat, his gaze
His thumb brushed her cheek, and she sighed into him, the last of her defenses crumbling. The world narrowed down to the space between them.
When he finally pulled back, he didn’t step away. Instead, he pressed a tender kiss to her forehead, sealing the moment like a promise.
"I’ll take you to the airport," Rafael said softly, his voice rough around the edges. "But first... You need to smile for me. Right now."
He arched a brow, a teasing curve on his lips. "And remember, I can never be angry at you. Is that clear?"
A reluctant, watery laugh slipped from Mara’s lips. She tried to glare at him but failed miserably, the warmth in his eyes dissolving her last bit of stubbornness. "Fine," she mumbled, a small, shy smile tugging at her mouth.
"Better," he grinned, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
The car ride to the airport was quieter than usual, but it was the kind of quiet that felt safe. Comfortable. Like a shared breath.
They talked about Lucy’s case, the tangled mess of it, the new lead Rafael had chased these past two days. Mara filled him in on the twins, how Ethan had been pushing her buttons. Rafael just laughed, the sound warm and fond, shaking his head. "Those kids. Gonna give you gray hairs, you know that, right?"
"You’re not wrong," Mara sighed, but a fond smile played on her lips.
At the airport, the night air was cool, the terminal lights casting long shadows. It was later than it should’ve been. Too late for goodbyes.