CHAPTER 26: HE CARES?

Braelyn’s Pov

"Where have you been?" Raphael asked with a deadly calm.

The moment I heard his voice my mood instantly plummeted several degrees. I drew in a deep breath. My eyes settled on the figure seated by the window.

He was still wearing the clothes he wore to the funeral. The jacket was draped around the chair. His tie flung on the table leaving him in just his black shirt and trousers.

His shirt was rolled up with some buttons undone. He had a glass in his hand, with the soft glow of the night lamp highlighting how glorious this man looked

He was handsome without a doubt, this view would have made my heart flutter in the past. Now my stomach only churned. What was he doing here getting drunk?

He should be with his Amelia. My face scrunched up at that thought m

There was something weird about him. This heavy air made me feel nervous, as if I had done something wrong when I had absolutely nothing of that nature.

I released the breath which I had been holding for who knows how long. A soft scoff escaped my lips. I ignored him and then strode to the walk-in closet. My coat was hung on my arms.

Bam!!

My breath hitched, and I jerked towards his direction. Raphael slammed his glass on the table. "I asked you a question!" He snapped, clearly losing himself.

I was startled and would not lie to claim I wasn’t scared. He was scaring the shit out of me.

Raphael was acting like a stranger. He was never the type to lose his temper so carelessly.

I held myself. "Why do you care?" I asked him then turned back to the racks to hang my coat.

"I had a long day Raphael. I am not in the mood for a fight." I removed my jewellery. Trying to act like I wasn’t shaken by the tension in the room.

"Doing what exactly?" He replied, his voice was too close. I jumped, almost tripped. When did he get to my back?

Raphael held my waist and braced me before falling. I was pinned against the wardrobe door with him looming over me. This position brought back bad memories.

He was tall without a doubt close to 6’3". I wasn’t short, but before him, I still felt small. His hazel eyes, which were similar to Lucien’s mischievous ones, were clouded with rage.

His scent was intoxicating. He was too close to the familiar scent of citrus and tobacco that wafted around me. If not for the fact that he was fuming with anger with his chest exposed it seemed like he was seducing me which was impossible

"Why are you shaking Braelyn? I asked a question. What were you up to all fucking day?" He blasted. His voice was high. It was low and calm but it still sent chills down my spine.

My throat went dry, and I could hardly swallow. My eyes squared up his gaze. "You are freaking the shit out of me Raphael. I didn’t do anything." I answered, holding his gaze.

His temple throbbed as my answer only enraged him. He drew in a deep breath, maybe trying to calm himself, but he didn’t release me from the cage.

"Today was very important and as a daughter-in-law of this family, it was inappropriate to suddenly disappear all day..." He started.

"Do you know how that looked?" He asked. A cruel smile etched my lips. Of course, he was more bothered about public image.

"Amelia was present, why did it matter if I was there?" I knew my answer was petty but I could not help myself.

"Don’t make this about her." He said through his gritted teeth. "Not everything is about her."

I laughed. "Everything isn’t about her, but you made it seem that way, Raphael. Please I’m exhausted let me breathe "

I didn’t know if my reply was hilarious. His shoulders started to shake, a soft laugh almost alluring and magnetic ran laced with restrained anger

"You abandon your duties and go where only you know, and this is what you have to say..." He mocked

"You were with him. Weren’t you?" Raphael asked, then took a step back. His hand reached for my face but I instinctively avoided his touch knowing he had touched her with those same hands

Something flickered in his eyes, akin to hurt. His jaw clenched and he retreated his fist. "You just want me mad. I can see through you but this is a dangerous game."

"As your husband, Braelyn. I will warn you to stay away from him. It’s not just because he is my psychotic uncle but Lucien is dangerous and unpredictable." The more he spoke about Lucien the more curious I got.

I still maintain my serene expression. "I appreciate your concern but it isn’t needed. We are in an open marriage. The same way you can date Amelia. I have decided to explore with Lucien..."

"Wasn’t it better we both weren’t around for the rest of the event? At least the eyesore of the family wasn’t there." I replied.

Our gaze got heated. "Stop acting like you care about me. Don’t stay up late acting like a caring husband because you aren’t."

He froze, his lips parted then closed. "What are you saying?"

"Who said you are an eyesore? I am warning you because I still love you and care for Braelyn." He had the guts to tell me straight in my face.

To say I was dumbfounded was an understatement. "I care, Braelyn, and I know this open marriage is difficult for you, but you will always be my wife and first priority."

"If you are with someone, at least have a bit of decency to tell me where you are, especially when you are with that maniac." He said like a weight was lifted from his shoulder.

"Can you listen to yourself?" I asked and he looked puzzled. "Can you believe what you just said?" I snorted then smiled.

"Bringing in a mistress isn’t what you will do if you love me. Taking her words above mine, isn’t caring... Raphael."

I could not read through him. His lips clamped.

"You started this Raphael. You opened the marriage and now bear the responsibilities of your actions."

"Braelyn..." He blurted, his anger resided with a mix of confusion. His words were cut by a sudden knock on the door.

"Aren’t you going to answer the door?" I asked. He didn’t say anything and let the person continue knocking.

"We are not done here." He insisted.

My eyes glared at him, ready to retort. My stomach churned, and before I knew it, I

threw up on his shirt.