chapter 13

Camille

It had been weeks since Zoey and I last hung out like this. Life had gotten hectic, and I hadn’t been as available as I used to be. Between work, Rafael, and trying to balance everything in between, I barely had time for myself, let alone my best friend. I could see the curiosity in Zoey’s eyes the moment I sat down at our favorite café. She wasn’t one to let things slide easily.

“So, you’ve been MIA for a while now, Cami,” Zoey started, raising an eyebrow. “What’s up? You never have time to hang out anymore.”

I sighed, stirring my coffee absentmindedly. “I know, I’m sorry. It’s just… things have been crazy.”

Zoey leaned back in her chair, folding her arms. “Crazy like Rafael-crazy? Because I saw his car outside.”

Her words caught me off guard, but I shouldn’t have been surprised. Rafael’s sleek black car was parked outside, waiting for me. He was going to take me to work after this, another change that had become part of my life now. I bit my lip, feeling the weight of the conversation I knew we were about to have.

“Yeah,” I admitted, glancing out the window toward where his car was parked. “He’s picking me up after this.”

Zoey’s eyes narrowed playfully, but there was concern mixed in. “So, it’s that serious, huh? Last time we talked, it was just casual dinners and those gifts. Now I see his car outside, and you’re never available anymore.”

I took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. “It’s official now. We’re… together. Really together.”

Zoey’s expression shifted from playful to serious, her eyes studying my face. “So, what’s going on, Cami? Why haven’t I seen you for so long? Is it because of him?”

I looked down at my coffee, feeling a mixture of guilt and uncertainty. “Yeah, it’s been him. Things have changed, Zoey. Being with Rafael… it’s different. It’s not just about the gifts or the dinners anymore. We’re in deep, and it’s real.”

Zoey blinked, her brow furrowing. “Real, like… you’re officially in a relationship with the mafia guy?”

I nodded slowly. “Yeah. I know it sounds crazy, but he means a lot to me, Zoey. We’ve been spending a lot of time together, and it’s serious now.”

Zoey let out a deep sigh, shaking her head. “Cami, I get that he’s important to you, but you haven’t been around for weeks. You’re shutting out everyone who’s not Rafael. That’s not like you.”

“I know,” I murmured, feeling the sting of her words. “It’s just… everything with him is intense. There’s so much to deal with, especially now that we’re official. He’s been setting up these safe zones for me, planning things in case something goes wrong. It’s a lot to handle.”

Zoey’s eyes widened. “Safe zones? Like… for you? That sounds serious.”

“It is,” I admitted. “He’s worried about people using me to get to him. That’s why he’s being so careful, setting up places for me to go if things ever get dangerous.”

Zoey stared at me for a moment, then shook her head. “Cami, this is more than just being with some guy. You’re stepping into his world now, and it sounds like it’s pulling you away from everything and everyone else.”

I sighed, knowing she was right. “I don’t want to lose myself, Zoey. But it’s hard. I care about him, and he’s trying to protect me. I just don’t know how to balance everything.”

Zoey reached across the table, taking my hand. “I get it. I know you’re in love with him, but don’t disappear on me. Don’t disappear on your life.”

“I won’t,” I promised, squeezing her hand. “It’s just… complicated right now.”

Zoey gave me a small smile. “Well, I’m here. Just don’t forget you have your own life outside of Rafael. And I’m always just a call away.”

As we sat there, her words echoing in my mind, I glanced out the window again, seeing Rafael’s car still waiting. I knew this was the life I was stepping into, with all the complications and danger. But for now, I just had to trust myself to handle it.

The ride to the hospital with Rafael was quiet but comfortable. His hand rested on mine as he drove, his fingers warm and firm, and every now and then, he’d glance over at me with a soft smile that made my heart flutter. Despite the tension that had built up from my talk with Zoey, being with Rafael always seemed to ease it away.

As we pulled into the hospital parking lot, I could already feel the weight of curious eyes from the nurses and doctors milling around outside. Rafael’s sleek black car stood out against the sea of everyday vehicles, just like he stood out in every room he entered. I tried to take a deep breath, to calm the nerves bubbling inside me, but the second he opened my door and extended his hand toward me, everything else faded.

I placed my hand in his, letting him help me out of the car. His touch was strong, reassuring, and as we walked toward the entrance, he didn’t let go. He didn’t care about the eyes that followed us, the whispers that spread like wildfire through the halls as we stepped inside.

“Is that Camille? With him?”

“Isn’t he—”

“She’s dating a gangster?”

Their words echoed through the corridors, growing louder with each step we took. But Rafael didn’t seem to notice—or maybe he just didn’t care. His grip on my hand remained steady, his tall, commanding presence making everyone around us seem smaller, less important. I glanced at him out of the corner of my eye, marveling at how calm and composed he looked. It was as if the entire world could crumble around him, and he wouldn’t bat an eye.

But I couldn’t ignore the stares. My colleagues, the people I worked with every day, were watching me. Judging. I could see the surprise and confusion in their eyes, and a part of me wanted to pull away, to hide from the attention. Yet, Rafael’s hand was warm and solid, a silent reminder of the life I was now part of.

When we reached the main lobby, I caught sight of Dr. Harris, the head doctor, standing near the elevators. He raised an eyebrow as we approached, his gaze shifting from Rafael to me and back again. I could almost hear the questions forming in his mind, but he said nothing, only giving me a tight nod before walking away.

“Are you okay?” Rafael’s voice was low, his tone unreadable as we continued down the hallway.

I forced a smile, trying to push away the discomfort. “I’m fine. Just… not used to the attention.”

His hand tightened around mine. “You don’t have to worry about them. Let them talk. They don’t matter.”

I nodded, but my stomach twisted with unease. I didn’t want to cause a scene. I didn’t want to be the center of office gossip, but I also couldn’t deny the part of me that was proud to be with him. To have Rafael by my side, walking with me like this, his presence a shield against everything else.

We finally reached my office, and as I turned to face him, the whispers faded into the background. For a moment, it was just us—Rafael’s intense gaze locked on mine, the rest of the world fading away.

“I’ll pick you up after work,” he said, his voice softer now, but still filled with that unshakable confidence.

“Rafael…” I began, unsure of how to express the mix of emotions I was feeling. But he leaned down, brushing his lips against my forehead in a gentle kiss, silencing whatever I was about to say. His voice was tender, filled with reassurance as he whispered, "If you need anything, call me. I'm just a moment away."

The warmth in his words wrapped around me, making my heart flutter. His touch, his presence—it was all a comfort I didn’t know I needed until now. He gave my hand one final squeeze before letting go, walking away with a quiet confidence that left me feeling safe and cared for.

As I walked into my office, I barely had time to set my things down before a few nurses I barely knew flooded in. They giggled and whispered to each other, their eyes glued to the door, where Rafael had just walked out. It didn’t take long for them to turn their attention back to me, their faces painted with curiosity, envy, and something else I couldn't quite place.

"Camille," one of them said, leaning casually against my desk, "where did you find that man? He's got everything: good looks, money, power. He's, like, the full package."

Another nurse, more brazen than the rest, practically leaned into my space, her eyes scanning me with jealousy. “You’re lucky, Camille. Tell us, how did you bag someone like that? What’s his secret?” Her tone was sharp, edged with competition, as if they were hoping for some inside scoop on the perfect catch.

I fought the urge to roll my eyes, but I couldn’t hold back the small, amused smile. It wasn’t just the way they were fawning over Rafael—it was how they thought they could get a piece of him, as if he were just another prize to be won. But I wasn’t about to share him with anyone. He was mine.

“He’s just... special,” I said, trying to downplay the conversation. I didn’t want to make it sound like I was rubbing it in their faces, even though the envious glances in their eyes told me they felt that way anyway.

Before I could continue, the phone rang, and I turned toward it, glad for the distraction. "Excuse me, I need to take this," I said, holding up a hand and dismissing the conversation.

I hadn’t even finished the call when the door swung open again, this time with the unmistakable figure of Dr. Harris standing in the doorway. He motioned for me to come with him.

“Camille, I need to see you in my office,” he said, his tone far more serious than the usual friendly banter. I could tell by the look on his face that something was up.

I shot a quick look at the nurses still lingering in my office, then grabbed my coat. “I’ll be right back,” I said, offering them a polite but firm smile before following Dr. Harris down the hallway.

As I followed Dr. Harris down the narrow hospital hallway, my thoughts scattered, unsure of what was waiting for me in his office. As I entered, he motioned for me to sit across from his desk, his demeanor a little more serious than usual.

“Camille, I appreciate you coming so quickly,” he began, adjusting his glasses as he settled into his chair. “There’s something we need to discuss.”

I nodded, trying to focus on his words, but a part of me was still reeling from the interactions with the nurses. They hadn't let up on their questions, and now Dr. Harris was going to add to it. I had a feeling it wasn’t going to be about my medical work today.

“I wanted to talk to you about Mr Serrano,” he continued, his eyes narrowing slightly, studying my reaction. “I recognize him. He’s a big name in the business world. A lot of people in our industry have been talking about him for years. You’re involved with him, aren’t you?”

The words hit me like a punch to the gut. For a moment, I just sat there, stunned, not knowing how to respond. Of course, Dr. Harris would know. Rafael’s reputation was vast. He was a powerful man, after all, and his presence wasn’t something that went unnoticed.

“Yes,” I said finally, my voice steady despite the rush of emotions I felt. “I’m familiar with him.”

Dr. Harris seemed to consider this for a moment, tapping a pen against his desk. “I’ve been thinking... we have an upcoming project at the hospital, something that could really help our department. A partnership with a big company—maybe even one of Mr Serrano’s. Since you’re familiar with him, I thought you could reach out to him for us. See if there’s any interest. He’s got connections, and the kind of backing we need to make this project a success.”

I blinked, momentarily taken aback by his suggestion. I hadn’t thought about Rafael in the context of my work, but I understood where Dr. Harris was coming from. The hospital needed resources, and Rafael’s influence could provide them with the means to accomplish something big.

“I can ask him,” I said carefully, weighing the request. “But I don’t know if he’d be interested in something like this. He’s not exactly someone who... gets involved with hospitals or charity work.”

Dr. Harris leaned forward slightly, his expression softening. “It’s worth a try, Camille. He might surprise you. And besides, you’re the best person to ask. You’re the one who has that connection with him.”

I nodded, the idea settling in my mind. Rafael might not have shown any interest in anything outside of his world, but I knew he cared about me—and that could be enough to make him listen.

But then Dr. Harris shifted the topic, and the concern in his voice became more evident. “I also need to mention, Camille,” he said, his tone less casual, “you’ve been missing rounds lately. I understand things can get busy, but we need you here, actively involved. You’re a valuable part of this team, and we can’t afford for you to step back now.”

I swallowed, guilt pricking at the edges of my mind. “I’m sorry,” I said, my voice small. “I’ve had a lot on my plate lately, and I’ve been... distracted.”

He nodded, his gaze softening. “I get it, Camille. But the hospital needs your full attention. I need you to be here, present, for your patients. You’ve been one of our best doctors, but we can’t have you slipping now.”

I took a deep breath, the weight of his words pressing on my chest. It wasn’t just my relationship with Rafael that was affecting my work—it was everything that had come with it. The attention, the pressure, the constant thoughts of him—it was all consuming.

“I’ll make sure to be more present,” I promised, though I wasn’t sure how much of that I could guarantee. Rafael’s world wasn’t one I could easily step in and out of. Not when it was becoming more and more a part of mine.

Dr. Harris studied me for a moment longer before nodding. “I know you’ll handle it, Camille. Just remember, we’re a team here.”

As I stood to leave, the weight of both his request and his concern settled in my chest. It wasn’t just about asking Rafael for help with a project anymore. It was about finding a balance between my personal life and the responsibilities that had always been mine—before Rafael had come into the picture.

And now, as I walked out of Dr. Harris’s office, I realized I couldn’t ignore either world for much longer. Something would have to give.

The air was cooler than usual when I stepped out of the hospital’s front doors, the crisp breeze brushing against my cheeks. As soon as I spotted Rafael’s sleek black car idling near the curb, my heart skipped a beat. He was there, waiting for me, as always.

I made my way to the car, my heels clicking against the pavement, and as I slid into the passenger seat, I couldn’t help but smile at him. He was looking at me with that same intensity, his gaze roaming over my face as if searching for something.

“Hey,” I said casually, leaning over to give him a quick kiss on the cheek.

“Hey, beautiful.” His voice was low, his usual confidence filling the air. As he started the car, I glanced over at him, my thoughts swirling. The nurses today... they had been all over him. Drooling, whispering, and trying to get his attention.

“Rafael,” I began, feigning a pout as I crossed my arms over my chest. “You know those nurses? The ones who practically drool every time you walk by?”

He raised an eyebrow, glancing at me briefly before focusing on the road. “Yeah, I noticed.”

I couldn’t help it—I felt a little spark of jealousy, but I didn’t want to admit it. Instead, I decided to play it up, teasing him. “They were practically ready to fight over you today,” I said, my voice laced with mock annoyance. “You really have them wrapped around your finger.”

A soft chuckle escaped his lips, but his expression remained stoic as he turned a corner. “I didn’t ask for their attention.”

I leaned back in the seat, a playful smile curling on my lips. “I’m sure you didn’t, but they sure seem to want you. Makes me wonder why they think you’re so irresistible.” I shot him a sidelong glance, trying to gauge his reaction.

He glanced at me again, his eyes glinting with amusement but tinged with something possessive. “Don’t worry about them,” he said, his tone more serious now. “You know where my focus lies.”

I raised an eyebrow, still teasing. “Oh, really? Because you sure didn’t seem too bothered when they were all over you.”

Rafael’s grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly, and I could feel the change in the air between us. He was always composed, but there was a flicker of something fierce in him when it came to me. “Sunshine,” he said softly, “you know I’m not interested in them. I only have eyes for you.”

I smiled, satisfied with his response, but the mood shifted as I remembered the conversation I had with Dr. Harris earlier. “There’s something else,” I said, my tone more serious now.

Rafael glanced at me, sensing the change in my demeanor. “What is it?”

“Dr. Harris,” I began, “he wants me to ask you for help with a project here at the hospital. He said we could really use your resources and connections, and since I’m... well, since I know you...” I trailed off, feeling the weight of the request. “He wants you to fund it.”

Rafael’s expression didn’t change, but I could see the wheels turning in his mind. “Fund it?” he repeated, his voice smooth and measured.

“Yeah,” I replied. “He mentioned something about a partnership with a big company. He thinks you could make it happen for the hospital. He’s counting on me, but...” I hesitated, feeling the weight of his gaze. “I’m not sure if that’s something you’d even want to do.”

Rafael’s lips curled into a slow smile, but it wasn’t the smile I was used to. It was something more commanding, more decisive. “I’ll take care of it,” he said, his voice calm but firm. “You won’t need to worry about a thing. I’ll fund the whole project in your name.”

I blinked, caught off guard by his response. “What? No, Rafael, I wasn’t asking you to—”

He cut me off, his tone leaving no room for argument. “You don’t have to ask. I want to do it. It’s important to you, and I’ll make sure it happens. In your name.” He glanced at me briefly, his expression softening. “I don’t do things halfway. Not when it comes to you.”

I sat there in stunned silence for a moment, trying to process his words. The way he was so willing to help, no questions asked, took me by surprise. I never expected him to go this far for me.

“Thank you,” I said, my voice barely a whisper. “You don’t have to do this, but... I’m grateful.”

He squeezed my hand, his grip reassuring. “You don’t need to thank me. I’ll always take care of you, Sunshine.” His eyes softened as he looked at me, his gaze unwavering. “You’re my priority, always.”

As the car continued down the road, I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed by his devotion. This man, so powerful and imposing to the world, was doing everything he could to support me. And for the first time, I realized that no matter what challenges lay ahead, I had him by my side.

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