Chapter 25

FRANKIE

Rafael guides me towards the Ferris wheel, his grip on my hand firm but not painful. My brow furrows in confusion - I had expected some kind of reprimand, not an amusement park ride. He speaks briefly to the operator before ushering me into a car. As we sit down, I'm enveloped by his cologne and the warmth radiating from his body. The wheel begins to turn, and I find myself captivated by the park's beauty spreading out before us. 

Lights twinkle below like earthbound stars, and the sounds of laughter and music drift up to us. For a moment, I almost forget the tension between us.

As we reach the top, the wheel suddenly stops. My heart leaps into my throat—why the hell aren’t we moving?

I turn to Rafael, but before I can speak, he pushes my head against the edge of the cart. Panic surges through me as I scream, half my body dangling precariously. Rafael forces me into a kneeling position, his hand gripping my neck, holding me firmly in place.