The Otherside Of Love || Sadistic Billionaire

Natalie’s POV

I gazed around the table, sensing a palpable unease in the air. Instead of sitting next to Daniel, I found myself beside Rafael, which puzzled everyone present. As we moved from the sitting room to the dining area, Rafael took hold of my arm, guiding me to my seat before settling next to me. I silently hoped that no one had noticed his possessive demeanor.

In an attempt to ease the tension, I flashed a smile at Grandma and whispered, “You see, Grandma. Daniel and Rafael are rivals in the business realm.” Rafael and Daniel exchanged hostile glances, each emanating an intense desire to best the other.

Grandma smiled tenderly and replied, “They need to set aside their rivalry for your sake. They have to find a way to build a friendly relationship.”

Daniel smiled back at her before turning his gaze to me, declaring, “I’m willing to do whatever it takes to win her over. I’d spare no expense, fortune and money to make her my wife. Natalie, I hope you’ll grant me this privilege.”

Rafael’s tightening grip on my thigh beneath the table sent a shiver down my spine. His proximity, his scent, and his touch blurred my vision, leaving me feeling intoxicated with desire.

Despite Daniel, Grandma, and Tobi were waiting for my response, I found myself rendered speechless. With Rafael’s bold fingers creeping closer, I couldn’t bring myself to say a word.

I froze, placing my hand on his, halting his movements. Stammering, I managed to utter, “I, I…”

But Rafael interrupted me, still touching me from beneath the table while his intense gaze fixed on my flushed face as he turned to address Daniel. “Offering your fortune?” he questioned. “She doesn’t need your money. What else do you have to offer besides wealth?”

His confidence seemed unwavering as he spoke, as if he weren’t engaged in anything under the table at all. Unable to remove his hand from between my legs, I kept my gaze fixed on my plate, praying that no one would notice the crimson hue flooding my cheeks. While he carried on conversing with the others, his glances towards me betrayed a cold anger in his eyes. I understood that he was punishing me, tormenting me in this manner.

“Sure I have. I have my heart to offer on a plate of gold!” Daniel retorted with theatrical flair. His performance was convincing; if I hadn’t known about our arrangement, I might have believed him.

“That’s very romantic!” Tobi exclaimed, smiling dreamily.

I couldn’t suppress the shiver that coursed through my body any longer, causing my thighs to tremble and bump against the underside of the table. All eyes turned towards me, and I could discern the smirk playing on Rafael’s lips. “Bastard! I’ll make you pay,” I vowed silently, all the while maintaining a composed smile on my face.

I cleared my throat and forced a smile. “Sorry, my shoe feels a bit tight. Excuse me, I’ll go upstairs and change,” I said, hoping to conceal my discomfort.

I didn’t wait for their response and swiftly exited the dining room. Once in my room, I leaned against the door, gasping for air. What just happened? Did he really do that to me right there? And my body responded? This traitorous body! I could feel the dampness beneath me.

I rolled my eyes in disbelief, knowing this dinner wouldn’t end well. Unlocking my phone screen, I intended to send a text to Daniel, asking him to come up with any excuse to leave now.

Before I could send the text message, my room door swung open, and Rafael barged in, a smirk playing on his face. I shot him a look full of hatred. He stood before me like a towering figure, his muscular body leaning in close as he whispered in my ear, “Did you enjoy it?”

I pushed him forcefully on the chest and snapped, “I hate you!”

He didn’t budge. Instead, he grasped my fists and asserted, “No, you don’t. I know you enjoyed it. Why deny it?”

His voice retained its calm and tender tone, a stark contrast to his cold gaze. He gently caressed my cheek and ran his fingers through my hair, lulling me into a false sense of security. I wasn’t prepared for his next action. Suddenly, he gripped my hair tightly, eliciting a scream of shock from me. But my screams were muffled as he captured my lips with his own.

Realizing that resisting him was futile, I stood there without any reaction, simply waiting for him to finish. When he noticed my cold demeanor, he stopped kissing me and locked eyes with mine. “Didn’t we have an agreement? Didn’t I tell you to break up with him?” he questioned. “I truly want to make you my wife. Why do you insist on making me resort to illegitimate means to win you over?”

I raised an eyebrow and interrupted firmly, “I didn’t promise you anything. I said I would think about it. And since you’re asking now, I’ll give you my decision. I’m not going to-”

He silenced me with another kiss, begging me with his eyes. We kept kissing, our eyes wide open. It was a peculiar sensation, but we continued staring at each other while kissing.

Finally, he ended the kiss and rested his forehead against mine. The only sound breaking the silence was our labored breathing. Suddenly, we burst into laughter-laughter without reason, laughter that continued until tears filled my eyes. Tears of frustration and sadness. I knew he wouldn’t be mine. He didn’t love me. I knew he didn’t love Debbie, but he didn’t love me either.

He gently wiped the hot tears from my cheeks, but the more he wiped, the more they flowed. It felt as if my tears were tearing me apart. Then he bent down and licked my tears, his expression slightly furrowed. “Too salty,” he murmured.

I playfully hit him on the shoulder and chuckled. He cupped my face in his hands and whispered, “Please, don’t cry again. If I’m the reason for your tears, then I’ll kick my own ass.”

Amidst my laughter, my sobs escaped. He pulled me into a tight embrace and spoke in a serious tone, “I want to meet you tomorrow at my office. I have a new contract to offer between us.”

I frowned. A new contract? What does that mean? Weren’t we done with contracts?

As if he could read my mind, he brushed my hair with his fingers and explained, “It’s a contract to safeguard your rights in the future, in case I treat you unfairly in any way.”