Reborn at a cost

Raphael's POV

Rain hammered the penthouse windows like it was trying to break inside.

I stood in the living room, staring at the city lights smeared across the glass. My phone sat silent on the marble counter. No new messages from Liana since her short text: Can't make dinner. Something came up. Sorry.

I checked the time again. 8:20 p.m.

The reservation at Le Gavroche was long gone. I had called to cancel. The host had sounded almost sympathetic.

I wasn't hungry.

My stomach was knotted too tight to eat.

The day had been endless, board meetings, investor calls, the patent fight with Blaise Corps still breathing down my neck. Elena had sent an update: the code was stronger now. Marcus said the legal papers were ready to file. Jackson was monitoring their public announcements.

Work never stopped.

But my thoughts kept circling back to her.

Liana.

This morning at the coffee shop still felt unreal. Her red lipstick. Her teasing smile. The way her foot brushed mine under the table and made my face burn. I'm not usually shy. I speak to powerful people every day without blinking. But with her? I suddenly become shy.

I paced the open living room. The penthouse felt too big tonight. Too empty.

I grabbed my phone again. Texted her: *Are you okay? Let me know if you need anything.*

Still nothing. I set the phone down. The doorbell chimed softly

I frowned. I hadn't ordered anything nor was I expecting anyone.

I crossed the room. Checked the security screen.

A woman stood in the hallway. Long dark hair. Red dress. High heels.

Sasha.

My occasional escort for the past three years.

She never came unannounced. I opened the door.

She smiled, that slow practised seductive smile.

"Miss me, Rafe?" I stepped aside to let her in.

She walked past me, heels clicking on the marble floor. I closed the door.

"What are you doing here?"

She turned. Dropped her coat on the couch.

"You've been quiet lately. No calls. No late-night texts. I thought you might need company."

I rubbed the back of my neck.

"I'm not in the mood tonight."

Her smile didn't falter.

She stepped closer. Fingers trailed down my chest.

"You always say that. Then I remind you how good it feels to forget everything for a few hours."

I caught her wrist gently.

"Stop."

She raised an eyebrow.

"Really?" I let go of her hand.

"I met someone."

Her eyes narrowed, just a little."Someone special?"

"Yeah."

She laughed softly. "That's cute. But special girls don't stay special forever. You know that."

I walked to the bar cart. Poured myself a drink.

"I know."

She came up behind me. Pressed against my back. Her hands slid around my waist.

"Let me help you forget her. Just for tonight."

I set the glass down, then turned to face her.

"I don't want to forget her."

Sasha's smile faded.

She stepped back.

She looked at me like I was a stranger.

"You're serious."

I nodded.

She studied my face for a long moment.

Then she laughed. "Wow. The great Raphael Blackthorne. Falling for someone."

I didn't answer.

She picked up her coat.

Slipped it on.

"Fine. Enjoy your little romance. But when she breaks your heart,, and she will, you know where to find me."

She walked toward the door. I watched her go.

She placed her hand on the door handle, then she paused and turned back.

She shot me one last smile.

"Oh, and Raphael?"

"Yeah?"

Her eyes flicked over me, up and down.

"Be careful. Love is more of a foe than a friend."

Just as the elevator closed, my phone rang.

It was Jackson.

I picked it up. "What?"

"Boss, she's in the hospital."

"Who are you talking about?"

"It's Liana. She is in the hospital."

"What!"