SAVANNAH
I didn’t know what time it was. The room was dark and silent. But after a power nap, I felt a movement on Rafe’s side of the bed. He glided his arms around my waist and buried his head on the back of my neck. His pure male scent, with notes of sandalwood and mild soap, instantly filled the air.
He didn’t speak, only breathing so softly as his way of communication.
“When did you come in?” I asked.
“About half an hour ago.”
Silence.
“Are we okay?” he whispered.
I nodded. Even though this was happening to us, I knew in my heart that I still wanted to trust him. He wouldn’t purposely hurt me.
Rafe’s embrace tightened, letting out a low groan.
Yielding, I closed my eyes. Because only then could I fall asleep peacefully.
In the morning, I awoke alone. Thinking that Rafe probably just went for a run, I went to the closet and found nothing else but my suitcase. Rafe’s things were gone.
***
I ignored the rampage in my chest, dressed in a rush, not bothering with my hair or whether I washed my face. Just because Rafe’s things were gone didn’t mean he was. He probably just asked someone to move them since we were leaving today. I convinced myself everything was fine as I descended downstairs.
I followed the sound of voices and found Carter, Rachel, and Benjamin over the dining area on the veranda having their morning coffee. Carter lifted his head as I walked over to them and gave them my best smile.
“Good morning. Have you guys seen—”
“Savi.” Carter cut me off, standing up, and approached me.
“Good morning, Savannah,” Benjamin said, looking over his eyeglasses. He was reading on his iPad.
“Mom, Dad, can you give us a moment?” Carter called out.
Rachel glanced over us. “Why don’t you join us first? Where’s Rafe?”
“Yes, later.” Carter caught me on the elbow and dragged me back inside. “Listen, Savi…”
“What’s going on?”
“I tried to stop him.” Carter sounded breathy and nervous. “I told him I’ll go in his stead, but he insisted this requires his presence.”
I grunted. “Where is Rafe, Carter?” I asked firmly, momentarily forgetting he was still my boss.
He scratched his head. “There was some sort of emergency in one of our biggest production branches in Los Angeles. He had to fly to LA at dawn.”
“And you guys didn’t even bother waking me?” I raged, my arms folded over my chest. This was rubbing salt onto my wound.
“Please, don’t say anything in front of them.” He gestured at his parents. “You know our dad. I’ll drive you back to Manhattan today if it makes you feel better. I’m sorry, Savi. But things like this happen. He’s probably in the jet right now.”
“No. This won’t make me feel any better, Carter.” God, I’d never felt so irritated in my life. “Did he tell you what it is about?”
“Not yet. I’ll find out in the office. But There’s something else I think you should know.”
“What now?!” I demanded.
“He found out about the emergency through Erin’s dad at the party last night. So, Erin stayed the night in one of our guest rooms, and they left together. I just made sure you know it’s just pure business.”
Suddenly, the air around the house thickened. Breathing, even in the outdoors, became difficult. I was confused. I thought we understood each other. He’d just vanished without thinking about what I’d feel. Alas, with that woman who looked like she’d escaped from a runway. I thought he’d trust me.
“I need to leave. Right now.” This was too painful to address now, especially in front of Sebastians.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, please.”
He nodded. “I’ll just make an excuse with everyone. I’m really, really sorry, Savi.”
“Thanks.”
I sped to the bedroom. The thought of Rafe leaving me alone pained me, but his absence was even worse.
I scrambled around the room, picking up the items I had left lying around the past couple of days—my clothes, shoes, and underwear. I then hurried to the bathroom for a quick wash, brushed my teeth, and fixed my hair.
Carter was standing in the doorframe when I was about to drag my suitcase.
“I’ll take that. Are you okay?” He proceeded inside and grabbed the handle.
“No, I am not. But thank you for being her anyway. I appreciate the help.”
“Anything for you and Rafe.” He sighed. “This must be a shock.”
I didn’t say anything else. Not that it would still matter anyway. Rafe still left, and I was going back alone with a broken heart. I didn’t even want to ask when he was returning because I didn’t want to get my hopes up.
“Mom wanted to see you before you leave. She was surprised, but I think she believed me.” Carter said as he was shoving my suitcase into the trunk.
“What did you tell her?”
“That we have an urgent office matter to attend to, and you have no time to say goodbye.” He turned to the passenger side. “Hop in.”
I walked to the car and stepped in.
“Have you checked your phone?” Carter asked when he settled inside and buckled his seatbelt. “He’ll probably call you or something.”
“No. It’s dead. I didn’t charge it.” I purposely let the battery drain because I didn’t want Brett calling me while I was with Rafe.
“Use mine.” He plugged in his car charger and handed the cable to me.
“Thanks.” I plugged in my phone, but I decided I’d let it charge for a while before turning it on.
“You know it’s fine if you don’t come to the office today.”
“Oh, no. Carter, you don’t have to.”
“Seriously, Savi. It’s fine. Last night was a disaster. I know. I can tell. For now, just be with your friends, have fun, eat anything you like, go for a walk, or do anything you like to make you feel better.”
I swallowed dryly. “That’s very kind of you. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
Honestly, I should be grateful because Rafe’s brothers were good to me, and I wasn’t really alone. Carter was more considerate than most bosses I knew. After asking me for my GPS, which headed directly to Michael, he played lively pop music on the stereo so I wouldn’t be just in dead silence. Then he allowed me to take a nap.
After an hour, I turned on my phone and checked if I had messages. I had several social media notifications and none from Rafe.
My heart sank.
“Is he always like this?” I asked, breaking the silence.
“Rafe? Yes. When he has urgent matters to attend to.”
“But if he already knew yesterday he was leaving, he could’ve told me, right? I’ll let him leave without question. Did he think I’d demand him to stay?” I heard the trembling in my own voice. I felt so wretched right now.
“You’re a very kind woman, Savi. I’m glad it’s you who my brother chose, but he’s new to this. It’s not that I’m taking sides, okay? But he probably doesn’t know how to deal with things like these. Dad used to be the same with Mom.”
“We’ll, we’re pretty new,” I murmured, sniffing to prevent my tears from falling.
“Right?” He glanced at me, smiling. “I think you’re tough, so I believe you’ll get through this.”
God, I didn’t know. All I knew was that I hurt. Most of all, I was hurt because I was in love.
***
In my brother’s house in Clinton Hill, I invited Carter inside to introduce him to Michael. I still hadn’t received a call or text from Rafe that my brother noticed something was wrong. I looked probably as red as a tomato.
“Savi?” He caught me in his arms, and I cried in his chest. Really cried, like I really needed my only family so badly. I hugged him so tight.
Michael stroked my back. “Hey. What’s going on?”
“Sorry about that,” Carter joined in, walking into our living room. “Wow. Nice cozy home.”
“You. You did this?” Michael accused.
“No. He’s my boss,” I sobbed.
“Then why is he sorry?”
I pulled away from Michael to introduce them properly.
“Michael, this is Carter Sebastian. Carter, this is Michael. My brother.”
“So, he’s the younger brother,” Michael said, rolling his eyes.
“Hi, um, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Gibson.” Carter reached his hand to him but halted, staring at my brother. “Whoa. Have we met before?”
“If you attended one of my classes, probably. Otherwise, no.” My brother shook Carter’s hand firmly.
“Right. I just thought I saw you somewhere. It’s weird. Anyway, I just gave your sister a ride. She stayed with us in our family house in Long Island over the weekend.”
“I’m aware,” Michael said icily.
“Michael, please.” God, he was intimidating the man.
“Um…” Carter rubbed his hands together. “So, I’ll be on my way. I need to be in the office early.”
Michael folded his arms. “And you?” he asked me.
“He allowed me a day off,” I answered.
Michael nodded. “Look, Carter. I don’t know why my sister is crying after a weekend trip to your house, but if I find out your brother has something to do with this, he better start hiding,” my brother warned, and he sounded serious.
“Yeah, okay. That’s enough. He’s leaving. Come on, Carter.” I pushed Carter on his back towards the door. I didn’t want him to get on Michael’s overprotective side.
“Call me when you hear from Rafe,” he said.
“I should be the one saying that.”
“Wait.”
We stopped at the door.
“Your brother scared me.” He chuckled nervously. “He honestly kind of reminds me of Rafe, didn’t you notice? They have the same aura.”
I scoffed. “How would I know?” I certainly didn’t want to think if Michael was similar to Rafe. Probably just their archangel names.
“Hey, it’s going to be fine,” he assured.
I smiled. “Thanks for the ride.”
“See you tomorrow, Savi.”
“See you.”
Carter ran to his car and drove away.
I spun around and only noticed Michael behind me. He was leaning on the wall behind the door.
“God, Michael.” I touched my chest in surprise. Was he listening?
“Yep. Start talking…”