Chapter 1

Above the Clouds, Beneath the SurfaceThe jet’s engines hummed softly as it cruised high above the clouds, its luxurious interior an intimate sanctuary of leather and polished wood. Elysia sat by the window, watching the distant shimmer of the Indian Ocean as the private jet made its way toward Seychelles. Her heart should have been light; they were headed to paradise, after all. But the tension between her and Rafael simmered just beneath the surface. Rafael was seated beside her, his presence undeniable, commanding. Even as they journeyed toward paradise, Rafael’s phone buzzed discreetly at his side. His gaze flickered briefly to the screen—an important notification from his company, Delgado Enterprises. He silenced it with a practiced flick, but the reminder lingered—his world of board meetings and billion-dollar deals wasn’t far behind. The weight of his responsibilities only fueled his need to control the few things he could, including her. He reached over and took her hand gently, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. There was something in his touch—possessive, wanting. But it wasn’t just control he sought; there was a deep desire for her emotional surrender, something she had stubbornly resisted. He hadn’t spoken much since they took off, but the weight of his unspoken desires hung in the air. He leaned in closer, his lips brushing against her ear.

“You’ve been distant,” he whispered, his voice low, a mixture of concern and restrained anger. Elysia swallowed hard, torn between the man she couldn’t fully let in and the feelings she couldn’t fully shut out. She glanced at him but said nothing.

Her silence only stoked his frustration. Rafael, never one to be easily ignored, stood, walking to a nearby compartment and retrieving something small and discreet. She recognized it immediately, a vibrator, sleek and black. Her pulse quickened, and she felt her cheeks flush. His dark eyes locked onto hers as he returned to his seat, the charged air between them sparking with an unspoken intensity. There were moments like these where she felt powerless against his desires, moments where she craved the safety of her emotional walls, but her body told a different story. Without a word, he reached for her again, his fingers trailing up her thigh beneath her silk dress. Elysia’s heart pounded, her body reacting to the sheer dominance in his touch. She wanted to resist—to maintain the emotional distance she’d fought so hard to protect—but as his hand moved with expert precision, she felt her willpower faltering. Her breath hitched as he slipped the vibrator beneath her, its quiet hum quickly filling the space between them. She fought to resist, but her body had other plans, as her body responded to his touch, to the sensation that pulsed against her skin.

Rafael’s eyes never left her face, watching every reaction, every flicker of pleasure and resistance. He leaned in, his lips barely touching hers as he spoke. His voice was a soft whisper against her skin, but it wasn’t just his words that made her heart stutter—it was the way he watched her, eyes dark with unspoken need, as if she was the one with thetrue power, even as her body quivered under his touch.

“You crave what I offer, even when you fight it.” The truth in his words stung. Elysia’s heart clenched with memories of Jacob, her late husband. Could she ever allow herself to fully belong to another man? She closed her eyes, biting her lip, hating how much he knew her—how easily he could make her surrender to him, even when her heart still belonged to another. As the vibrations intensified, her body arched involuntarily, the luxurious leather of her seat soft against her back. She gripped the armrest, her breath coming in short, ragged bursts. Rafael’s hand slid higher, his fingers brushing the edge of her lace panties, teasing, controlling every ounce of her pleasure. Her mind clawed for the control she once possessed, but her body was a traitor, every nerve alight under Rafael’s touch. It scared her, this inability to draw the line between desire and vulnerability, especially when memories of Jacob still clung to her.

It wasn’t love—not yet—but the raw, unrelenting passion that filled the space between them was undeniable. She hated him for how easily he could break through her walls, for making her feel vulnerable, but in moments like this, with the jet humming around them and the world falling away, it was impossible to deny what was happening between them. When the sensations became too much, her body trembling under the weight of her release, she finally met his gaze, her voice barely a whisper.

“Rafael...” But he hushed her with a kiss, deep and commanding, his lips sealing the emotions she refused to voice. He knew the truth without her saying a word. The jet soon descended, touching down smoothly on the private airstrip on Mahé Island. A sleek yacht awaited them at the marina, its polished deck gleaming under the midday sun, a quiet promise of further indulgence. As they stepped onto the yacht, the crew greeted them with respectful nods, and the boat set off across the shimmering waters. The ocean stretched endlessly around them, a deep, crystalline blue, the warm breeze playing with Elysia’s hair.

The serenity of the sea contrasted sharply with the tumult of her thoughts. The boat ride across the Indian Ocean felt like a dream, yet the tension between her and Rafael was impossible to escape. With every passing wave, she found herself drifting deeper into her thoughts, wondering how long she could hold on to her emotional walls. The paradise Rafael had promised seemed like an illusion—trust was still so far out of reach. As soon as they docked at North Island, Faye sprinted ahead, her laughter cutting through the quiet of the island.

“Daddy! Look!” she exclaimed, proudly holding up a seashell. Rafael knelt, his features softening as he embraced her. Grace was right behind, flinging her arms around him with joyful abandon. For a moment, Elysia watched from a distance, her emotions tangled. Rafael, who had claimed so much of her life, had also, without effort, claimed her daughters’ hearts. Paradise with a PriceThe villa, with its pristine glass walls and the endless ocean spilling into the horizon, felt like a cage made of beauty. Every corner of the opulent paradise remindedElysiaof the luxuryRafaeloffered—yet with each step, she felt more like a captive of her own desires.

They hadn’t spoken much since their encounter on the jet, andElysiacould still feel the heat between her legs, the lingering effects of the vibratorRafaelhad used on her, making her body surrender to him despite her mind’s refusal. She hated how easily he could break through her walls, hated how much she craved his touch, even if she wasn’t ready to admit it. But the truth gnawed at her—Rafaelwas more than a lover. He was becoming the man her children needed, the protector she didn’t know she wanted. Yet, admitting that out loud felt like a betrayal toJacob. They dined on the terrace as the warm breeze carried the scent of the ocean, but the weight of the unsaid hung heavier than the meal before them. The air was warm, the scent of salt and tropical flowers filling the space around them. Elysiapicked at her food, barely tasting it, whileRafaelsat across from her, a storm brewing behind his dark eyes. Finally, he broke the silence.

“You’ve been running all day, Elysia. From me, from yourself. Why?”Her fork clattered onto the plate, and she looked up, meeting his gaze with defiance.

“I’m not running. I’m here, aren’t I?”Rafael’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he stood and walked toward her, every step deliberate, filled with that controlled power she found both intimidating and alluring. He stopped behind her chair, his fingers grazing her bare shoulder, sending an involuntary shiver down her spine.

“You’re here,” he whispered, leaning down so his lips brushed against her ear, “but you’re still hiding.” Elysiaswallowed hard, her throat tight. She wanted to protest, to push him away, but the warmth of his breath on her skin, the weight of his presence, held her in place. She hated him for knowing her so well, for seeing the vulnerability she tried so hard to hide. But what scared her more was how deeplyRafaelhad already rooted himself in her life. He was more than a fleeting lover. He was becoming family. In these moments, Rafaelwasn’t just claiming her body—he was chipping away at the walls around her heart.

The more she surrendered to him, the more she realized how much she wanted him to be there for her twins, FayeandGrace. Watching him with them earlier had shaken something inside her. It was as ifRafaelwasn’t trying to replaceJacob; he was carving out his own space in their lives. Rafaelmoved around the table and reached for her hand, pulling her up with a firm but gentle grip.

“Come with me.” She hesitated for a moment, her body tensing in resistance, but eventually, she let him lead her inside the villa. He took her through the expansive living room, past the open doors leading to the pool, and into their bedroom, where the lights were dim, the bed enormous and draped in soft white linens.

Inside the villa, as the doors closed behind them, Rafael was both the lover and the CEO. She had seen him in meetings—calm, calculated, but with the same underlying hunger for control. It was the same focus he applied to acquisitions and takeovers. It unnerved her, how seamlessly he switched from the boardroom to the bedroom, as if no boundary could keep him from taking what he wanted. Silent StormsElysia’spulse quickened asRafaelclosed the door behind them, the sound of the latch clicking into place loud in the stillness of the room. He moved toward the bar in the corner, his movements slow and deliberate, as if he had all the time in the world. When he returned, there was an ice cube in his hand, glistening in the dim light, his eyes locked on her like a predator’s, knowing the effect he had on her. Elysia’s breath hitched as she realized what he intended.

“Rafael...” she began, but her words faltered when he stepped closer, his free hand cupping her chin, tilting her face up so their eyes met. The intensity in his gaze silenced her.

“Trust me,” he whispered, his voice low but commanding.

“Let go, Elysia. Let me take care of you.” Her heart raced, her instinct to maintain control warring with the overwhelming desire to give in.

“I ... I don’t—” she began, but his lips were on hers before she could finish, firm, demanding, cutting off her words with a kiss that made her forget everything else. She wanted to resist, to hold on to the safety of her barriers, but as his tongue coaxed hers with a deliberate, teasing rhythm, her resolve began to melt. Rafaelpulled back just enough to watch her as he traced the ice cube down her neck, leaving a trail of cold water that made her gasp. The contrast between the chill of the ice and the heat building inside her was too much. He moved slowly, the ice skimming over her collarbone and lower, lingering between the valley of her breasts. Her nipples hardened instantly under the sudden cold. She pressed weakly against his chest, more out of reflex than true resistance.

“Stop,” she whispered, her voice trembling, unsure if it was from the cold or the fire stirring deep within her.

“No,” he murmured, his tone leaving no room for debate.

“You need this. You need to feel, Elysia.” He leaned closer, his breath warm against her skin.

“And I’m going to make sure you do.” Her heart thundered, frustration mixing with the undeniable desire pooling between her legs. As his hand slipped beneath her dress, expertly finding the edge of her lace panties and tugging them down, she let out a ragged breath. Every part of her was screaming for control, but it was slipping through her fingers. With one firm hand on her shoulder, he guided her backward until her legs hit the bed, and she sank onto the cool sheets, feeling the tension coil inside her. Her protests died in her throat asthe ice traced a glistening path along her inner thigh, a jarring contrast to the heat pooling in her core, each droplet of water a teasing reminder of her helplessness under his controlShe tried to close her legs, instinctively trying to regain control, butRafael’s hands were there, gently but firmly spreading her wide.

“Rafael, please...” she whimpered, her body trembling, torn between her mind’s resistance and the need pulsing within her. His eyes, dark and intense, met hers, filled with a combination of desire and something deeper, something that reached past her physical reactions.

“I see the way your body betrays your mind. Let it.” he murmured, leaning down to kiss the sensitive skin of her thigh.

“You never do. You just don’t want to admit how much you need this. How much you need me.” Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes, the helplessness of her desire overwhelming her.

“I hate you,” she choked out, her voice thick with emotion. But even as she said the words, they felt hollow, more directed at herself than him. He smirked, the ice moving higher, grazing where she ached for him most.

“No” he whispered softly, his lips brushing against her skin, each word a mix of control and tenderness. You can deny itas long asyou like, but I know what you’re feeling.

“Tremors of desire rippled through her, defying her willas the ice touched her most sensitive spot, her back arching involuntarily, a sob escaping her lips. The cold mingled with the heat of her own arousal, sending a shock of sensation through her. Her fingers clutched at the sheets, whiteknuckled as she tried to fight the pleasure building inside her. Rafael’s hands gripped her hips, holding her firmly in place as he continued his slow, deliberate torture, the ice melting against her heat, droplets of cold water trickling down her thighs. Every nerve in her body felt alive, electric, and despite herself, she wanted more. Tears of frustration and desire streamed down her face.

“Stop...” she begged, though her hips betrayed her, lifting toward him, aching for relief. He didn’t stop, ignoring her pleas, his thumb brushing over her clit as the last of the ice melted completely, leaving only his skilled, relentless touch. Her body bucked against him, torn between escaping the intensity and surrendering to it fully.

“I know you’re close,” he murmured, his voice rough with his own arousal.

“Let go, Elysia. Stop fighting. You’re mine.

“With one final stroke, her body shattered. Her cries filled the room as the orgasm ripped through her, leaving her breathless and trembling beneath his hands. Tears slipped from her eyes, and she hated herself for how easily he could strip her defenses away. Hated him for knowing her body so well. Rafaelleaned down, brushing her tears away with the gentleness that contrasted sharply with his earlier dominance.

“You’re mine,” he whispered, his voice softer now, almost tender.

“Whether you admit it or not.” Elysia didn’t answer, her body spent, her emotions raw. Her thoughts warred with her desire to maintain control., but her heart knew the truth. Rafaelwasn’t just taking her body—he was taking pieces of her soul. No matter how much she fought it, he had a hold on her she couldn’t deny. And that terrified her more than anything. Fragile TrucesElysiaandRafaeldock in a hidden cove where the staff sets up an elegant picnic of gourmet seafood and fresh salads. FayeandGracerace to the jet skis, their laughter filling the air, butRafael’s focus remains onElysia. The island paradise feels almost perfect, yet the one thing he craves most—her trust, her surrender—remains elusive. As the twins raced to the jet skis, Fayestopped midway, turning back to tug atRafael’s hand.

“Daddy, come with us! You promised!” she insisted, her eyes wide with excitement. Rafaelchuckled, ruffling her hair before giving in.

“Alright, but no speeding,” he said, his voice teasing yet affectionate. Fayebeamed, pulling him along. Gracejoined in, hugging his leg as they led him toward the jet skis, leavingElysiato smile softly at their playfulness. As the children play, RafaelleadsElysiato the upper deck. She takes a slow sip of wine, the warmth of the alcohol softening her edges. Yet beneath the surface of the moment, a quiet strain hovered—subtle, unvoiced, but impossible to ignore.

“Do you ever just want to ... let go?”Rafael’s voice is low as he leans close, a possessive edge stirring something deep inside her. The ocean stretches endlessly before them, as wild as the restrained desires swirling between them. His hand brushes over her waist, fingers lightly grazing her skin before reaching the hidden control in his jacket. He adjusts the small estim device she wears, sending a subtle pulse through her body. Her muscles tensed at first, a fight against the sensation, but slowly, an involuntary shudder crept through her body. She tried to suppress it, but her resolve wavered with each passing second.

“I’ll stop if you ask,”Rafaelteases, his gaze holding hers. It’s a challenge as much as a command, daring her to break the moment. Her grip tightens on the railing, her fingers trembling, but she says nothing. She can’t give him the satisfaction. Seeing her resistance only heightens his desire. He increases the intensity, watching as a faint gasp escapes her lips, her cheeks flushed with heat. She hates how easily he unravels her, how every part of her responds, even when her mind tries to fight back. But the frustration is more than just physical—it’s the distance between them, the push and pull that keeps them both locked in this struggle.

“I want all of you, Elysia. Not just your body,”Rafael’s voice is raw, frustration lacing each word. He wants more than control—he wants her surrender. Elysia’s eyes flash with a mixture of defiance and vulnerability. The honesty in his words shakes something loose inside her, but she hardens once again.

“You can’t take what you want, Rafael. Not like this,” she bites back, her voice steady but trembling. Rafaelsteps back, the fire between them smoldering.

“We’ll see about that,” he mutters, turning his gaze back to the ocean. The battle between them continues—fought in glances, in silence, in the unspoken war of wills. Back at the villa, the air is thick with the sounds of a crackling bonfire and children’s laughter. FayeandGrace, dressed in silk pajamas, are oblivious to the tension that has simmered all day. Elysiawatches them from a distance, her heart heavy with unspoken conflict. Elysialingered by the doorway asRafaelknelt beside the twins’ beds, his voice soft as he told them a bedtime story. Fayecurled into his side, her tiny hand gripping his shirt, whileGracegiggled at the silly voices he made for the characters. Despite the intensity of their relationship, moments like this madeElysiarealize how effortlessly he had become part of their family. WhenFaye’s eyes fluttered shut, she whispered, “Night, Daddy,” andGrace, already half asleep, echoed the same. Rafaelkissed each of their foreheads before quietly standing to leave the room, his eyes meetingElysia’s in a silent exchange of understanding. Rafaelpulls her away from the warmth of the fire, leading her up the winding stone stairs to the villa’s rooftop deck. The setting is perfect—too perfect, as if crafted to force a reconciliation. But perfection, Rafaelknows, is fragile, and his patience is wearing thin. Elysiastands at the edge of the deck, her gaze fixed on the endless horizon. The vastness of the ocean mirrors the space she keeps between herself andRafael.

“You think you can keep pretending, Elysia?”Rafael’s voice is low but edged with frustration. The rope of his patience is fraying. He steps closer, his presence heavy beside her, though he hasn’t touched her—yet.

“You can’t keep me at arm’s length forever.” Elysia’s pulse quickens, but she doesn’t let it show.

“I don’t know what you mean,” she replies, though they both know the lie in her words. Rafael’s patience snaps.

“Enough,” he growls, spinning her to face him. His grip on her wrist is firm, his strength undeniable, and in seconds, she’s pressed against the cool glass railing. His eyes are dark, filled with the storm of emotions he’s no longer holding back.

“Stop lying to yourself,” he demands, his voice fierce.

“You want this. You want me.” Her gaze falters, but she refuses to admit it. Not to him. Not yet.

“I’m not Jacob,” Rafaelsays, his tone harsh. The pain is there, just beneath the surface.

“I’ll never be him. But I’m here, and you need to stop running.” His words hit hard, and for a moment, her resolve cracks. The mention of her late husband reopens old wounds, her eyes bright with unshed tears. But she quickly masks the pain, lifting her chin in defiance.

“You don’t understand,” she whispers. Grief and guilt twist her voice. Rafaelisn’t interested in her protest anymore. His hand moves to her throat—not forcefully, but with a possessiveness that sends a shiver through her.

“I understand you better than you think,” he says, his voice low and rough. I understand the part of you that you’re too afraid to admit.

“He reaches into his pocket, and before she can react, the pulse of electricity runs through her again. Heat surged through her, overpowering her attempts to stay in control, her knees weakening as pleasure crashes through her defenses. She bites her lip, fighting the response, but it’s futile.

“You see?” Rafaelwhispers, his lips close to her ear.

“No matter how much you fight, you want this. You want me.” It wasn’t just in the bedroom where Rafael held this power. His empire spanned continents, and the ruthless efficiency with which he ran Delgado Enterprises now echoed in how he managed their fragile relationship, pushing her to surrender just as he would a boardroom full of executives. Her pride wages a final battle, but the truth is undeniable. Her breath comes in ragged gasps, her hands gripping his shirt as she clings to the last vestiges of resistance. But he doesn’t stop. He presses further, watching her crumble, her eyes bright with frustration and desire.

“I won’t push you, Elysia,” Rafael murmured, his lips barely grazing her neck.” But you can’t hide from what you already feel.

“Her back arched, a ragged breath escaping her as the sensations built to an unbearable peak. She was losing the battle, her body betraying the last remnants of her resistance.

“I ... I’m not ready,” she whispered, the words trembling on her lips, thick with hesitation and fear. Rafael’s fingers traced a slow path up her spine, his touch achingly gentle.

“You don’t have to be ready,” he whispered, his voice soft but unrelenting.

“Just stop running.” With one final surge, her body gave in, shuddering as the wave of release crashed through her. Her defenses crumbled, and the truth she had fought so hard to bury spilled out in a broken, breathless whisper.

“I ... I need you.” Rafael’s grip softened, his hand now resting gently on her hip. His eyes searched hers, filled with something deeper than desire—something almost tender. This wasn’t a victory; it was something far more intimate, a quiet acknowledgment of the connection that neither could deny. Cracks in the ArmorElysiaawoke with a dull ache spreading through her body, every muscle sore from the intensity of the previous night. She blinked her eyes open, the soft light filtering through the curtains, casting a golden hue over the bedroom. Her mind raced through fragments of the night—Rafaelpushing her to her limits, her body responding despite her inner resistance. The soreness was a subtle reminder of how effortlessly her body had surrendered, defying her intention to remain in control. Sitting up slowly, Elysiawinced, her hand instinctively going to her ribs. She glanced over to the corner of the room, whereRafaelstood by the large window, sipping his coffee. His posture was calm, collected, in stark contrast to the storm of emotions swirling inside her. That calm demeanor, after everything they’d gone through, made her blood boil. Rafael, still unaware of her glare, stood silently, watching the ocean beyond the villa’s horizon. The sight of him—so composed, so sure of himself—sent a fresh wave of frustration through her.

“You took advantage of me last night,”Elysiaspat, her voice breaking the quiet morning air. The accusation felt sharp, but underneath it was something more—her confusion, her anger at herself as much as at him. Rafaelturned slowly, his brow lifting in surprise. A brief flicker of amusement crossed his face, but it quickly faded.

“Good morning to you too, tesoro,” he said, his tone soft yet deliberate.” I thought you’d appreciate the rest.

“There was no smirk, no arrogance—just a trace of confusion, as if he didn’t understand the depth of her anger. She threw back the covers and stood, legs shaky but her resolve steady.

“This isn’t about rest, Rafael. You’ve been controlling me since the moment I let you into my life.” Her voice trembled with rage.

“You had no right—no right to push me like that.”At the mention of his control, Rafael’s expression shifted, his face darkening. His jaw clenched, but he held his ground.

“Don’t bring him into this,” he warned, his voice low, the palpable strain growing thicker between them.

“Don’t you dare dismiss him!” Elysiashot back, stepping closer, fists clenched.

“Jacobnever treated me like you do. He didn’t push me to the edge just to prove a point.

“Rafael’s hands balled into fists at his sides.

“Respected you? Did that save him? Did that protect you and the girls?” His voice grew colder, frustration simmering beneath the surface.” I’m the one here, Elysia. Jacobleft you with memories—I’m here protecting you.

“Elysia’s chest heaved, her emotions a volatile mix of grief and fury.

“Jacob was good, Rafael! He knew how to love me—without making me feel powerless. He didn’t need control to prove his strength.

“Rafael’s eyes flared with anger, but beneath that was a raw vulnerability he couldn’t quite hide.

“Don’t you ever compare me to him,” he growled, stepping closer.

“You know I’ve always been the one dealing with the fallout. Do you really want to push me into that corner?”Her lips curled in defiance.” This isn’t about pushing you. It’s about what you think love means.

“His face darkened further. But instead of lashing out, Rafaelturned away, his hands gripping the edge of the windowsill.

“You always run back to him,” he said, his voice quieter now, tinged with an uncharacteristic sadness.

“But he’s not here, Elysia.” She stepped closer, her voice shaking with emotion.” He’s not here because of what happened to him, Rafael. But you—” She swallowed hard.

“You make me feel like I’m losing him all over again.” Rafael turned back to her, the anger fading from his face, replaced by something softer, something unresolved.” You’re not losing him,” he said quietly.

“But I need you to stop running from me.” For a moment, the space between them grew heavy with everything unsaid, their anger fading but leaving behind an electric undercurrent that neither could deny. Beneath the SurfaceRafael’s anger had reached a boiling point. The sound ofJacob’s name still lingered in his ears, stirring an anger that mixed dangerously with his desire. He heldElysiafirmly, but even through his fury, he was aware of the fragility of the moment—aware of how much he wanted more than just her body. Her defiance wasn’t breaking, and that frustrated him, but somewhere beneath the frustration was a need to connect—to show her that this wasn’t just about control.

“You still think you can hold onto him?” Rafael’s voice was low, tense with emotion.” You think Jacob’s ghost is going to save you now? Look at the way your body responds to me, Elysia.” He didn’t push her hard, but his touch was firm, and it made her gasp, her breath catching in her throat. Elysiaclenched her fists above her head, the cuffs biting into her wrists as she fought against the pull of her own body. Her will crumbled beneath the weight of his touch, reacting to him despite her resolve. She hated it—the conflict within her—but even as her body surrendered, she refused to give him the satisfaction of submission.

“You’re sick,” she spat, her voice shaking with anger and desperation.

“This isn’t about love—it’s about power, and you can’t stand that you’ll never be him.”

Her words were sharp, cutting into him more deeply than she knew. Rafael’s face darkened, but instead of anger, there was pain flickering behind his eyes. He paused, his grip loosening slightly as if reconsidering his approach.

“This isn’t about him anymore, Elysia,” he said, his voice softer but still firm.” This is about you and me. You keep pushing, but I know what you need. You need someone to meet you—someone who won’t let you run away.

“Before she could respond, he reached for the ice again, this time moving more slowly. The cold shocked her senses, mixing with the heat of the moment, sending a shiver down her spine. The ice was not cruel—it was an exploration of sensation, not meant to harm but to pull her deeper into the intensity between them.

“Tell me, Elysia,” he whispered, his voice coaxing, his touch lingering rather than forcing.” Tell me you want this.

“Tears of frustration slipped from beneath her blindfold as she shook her head, her breath coming in ragged gasps.