Raphael's Captive

Chapter 32

Part Two

***

The low buzz of chatter went around the room as Tami stepped inside. Her eyes immediately landed on her family a few seats down.

Her heart warmed at the sight. After everything that has happened, plus what just happened outside with Malik, their support meant the world to her. Especially Amy. She has been warming up to Tami again ever since Raphael’s arrest.

Slowly, she learnt and understood why Tami stayed and considered her feelings. Tami acknowledged that she hurt them greatly, and she will forever live with it, especially not being there when their dad died.

But they were on the road to recovery. All the Knowles women, together.

And to make it better, last night they all had dinner with Raphael for the first time. They simply forgot about what would happen the next day, and acted as if they were simply a family meeting Tami’s love interest for the first time.

Turns out, Amy liked Raphael the most. Her ‘don’t judge the book by its cover’ theory became more real last night, and she of all people wanted to see Raphael free with Tami more than anything.

It was beautiful.

Tami waved at them quickly before her eyes began scanning the room for the one person she wanted to see from the moment she drove up. She saw him briefly this morning in his hotel room, when he woke her and told her he was leaving.

She had decided to go home with him last night so they could go to the hearing together, but Raphael had to meet with Steven, and so Tami had to travel alone.

She didn’t mind though. She understood the intensity of the day. Everything has to be perfect down to the T.

Someone tapped her on her shoulder, and she spun around quickly with a smile on her face, already knowing who it was. His scent was recognizable from miles away.

Indeed, the man of her dreams filled her view, looking as sharp as ever in a crisp suit with a new shave and bright smile.

He leant down to press a kiss to the corner of her lips, not caring for the views they got from in and around the room. Tami blushed sheepishly as she swung her arms around his neck. Their events from last night in his hotel room resurfaced by the very feeling of his body flushed against hers.

This man would be the death of her.

“How are you?” Raphael asked as he pulled away. Tami shrugged as she let him go.

“I’m fine, I guess. I just want this to be over, so we can go back home.”

“Home?” he questioned with a raised eyebrow.

“Yes, I was thinking a lot about your house back on Grand Bahama-“

“Hold that thought Tami.” Steven, Raphael’s lawyer, came into view almost immediately out of thin air, looking just as sharp in his suit. Tami was both annoyed and impressed by the man.

He made it hard to choose what emotion to feel towards him. Steven was that type of person.

“We start in two minutes. I might have to steal him for a second. You know? To save his ass,” he joked with a playful pat on Raphael’s shoulder.