Chapter 50

FRANKIE

Sunlight filters through gauzy curtains as I wake to cold sheets beside me. My heart lurches into my throat, memories of yesterday's chaos flooding back. The silk nightgown clings to my skin as I bolt upright, scanning Rafael’s grey- colored bedroom for any sign of him.

"In here, little rebel," Rafael's deep voice calls from the bathroom, and relief washes over me like a wave. I pad across the plush carpet but freeze in the doorway. The morning light streaming through the frosted window illuminates every mark on his olive skin.

Purple and blue bruises mottle his muscled abdomen, stark against his natural bronze tone. My stomach twists. "How did I miss these last night?" I whisper, more to myself than him. But I know why - between the darkness and everything else, I hadn't really seen him.

My fingers hover over the marks, barely touching. "Does it hurt?" I ask softly, stepping closer to study each bruise in the morning light.

A playful smile tugs